Sardine cisco
📖 Overview
Adults occur in coastal waters, estuaries, large lakes and rivers . Lake-dwelling populations appear to be non-migratory, while those found in streams or brackish water move considerable distances to reach or leave spawning sites . Semi-anadromous populations forage in estuaries, lower courses of rivers, backwaters and lakes . Nerito-pelagic . Feed on planktonic crustaceans and insects ; also plant material and fishes . Do not usually feed during its spawning run . Migratory forms are observed to live longer than fresh water forms . Spawn in deep pools on sand and gravel . Flesh is said to be tasty .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 13; Vertebrae: 58 - 64. Body elongate, somewhat compressed laterally, greatest body depth at front of dorsal fin. Head about 19 - 24 % of total length; eyes large; snout length usually less than eye diameter; mouth moderate, terminal, lower jaw always protruding, maxillary at a distinct angle, extending posteriorly to below anterior half of the eye; a small cluster of teeth present on the tongue. Overall coloration silvery, usually brown to dark green on the back, becoming silvery on sides and below. The small non-anadromous form that remains in fresh water is without spotting on the back and only the pelvic fins have black pigment on the tips., the remaining fins are unpigmented. The larger, anadromous form has dark spots on the head, back, dorsal, and adipose fins, and sometimes, on the pectoral fins; all fins have usually dark pigment on the tips.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sardine cisco is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Sardine cisco is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning occurs at night, peaking between 8 pm and midnight. A female spawns almost vertically upward, with her ventral side upstream. She is joined by as many as five males who swim vertically and close to her. As the spawners approach the surface, eggs and milt are released. The fish break the surface, fall over backward, and swim back to the bottom of the pool .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous . Polar; 78°N - 62°N, 45°E - 95°W North America: Murchison River, Canada to Bristol Bay, Alaska; ascends Yukon River to British Columbia, and Mackenzie River to Fort Simpson (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
planktonic crustaceans and insects (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sardine cisco is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 696 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sardine cisco has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Least cisco · Sardine cisco · Siberian cisco |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Siperianmuikku · Siperiansiika |
| 🇫🇷French | Cisco sardinelle |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Sielawa syberyjska |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Сибирская ряпушка |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argyrosomus pusillus | Bean | 1889 | Synonym |
| Coregonus merkii | Günther | 1866 | Synonym |
| Coregonus pusillus | Bean | 1889 | Synonym |
| Coregonus sardinella sardinella | - | - | Synonym |
| Leucichthys pusillus | Bean | 1889 | Synonym |
| Leucichthys sardinella | Valenciennes | 1848 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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