Alaska Whitefish

Distinguished by the gill rakers that are longer than 20% of the interorbital width, a total of 22 to 27 gill rakers on the first arch (with modal counts of 24 or 25), and a pronounced hump behind the head in adults (Ref. 27547). Adipose fin well developed, often larger in males; axillary process present in pelvic fins (Ref. 27547). Dark brown to midnight blue above fading to silver on sides and wide beneath; no parr marks in young (Ref. 27547).

The spawning run involves an upward migration beginnning as early as late June. The spawning act occurs at night or during the day. A female begins to swim vertically toward the surface, belly upstream. A male (sometimes 2 or 3) joins her and eggs and milt are released as fish approach the surface. The fish break the surface, fall away from each other and return to the bottom. After spawning most move downstream. The young of the year move downstream during their first year and do not return until they are sexually mature. Generally, the same spawning grounds are utilized yearly (Ref. 27547).

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 10 - 14; Vertebrae: 60 - 63

Feeds on immature insects and fish larvae (Ref. 27547).

Occurs in small to large rivers (Ref. 5723). Rarely enters lakes (Ref. 5723). Makes fairly extensive upstream and downstream movements related to spawning runs (Ref. 27547). Feeds mainly on immature insects (Ref. 27547). Usually does not feed during the latter part of the spawning run (Ref. 27547). Excellent food fish but usually not eaten (Ref. 27547).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes

The Alaska whitefish (Coregonus nelsonii) is a species of whitefish in the family Salmonidae. It is found in parts of northwestern North America, where it occurs only in small and large rivers, and rarely in lakes. The maximum length recorded for this species is 56.0 cm (22.0 in).

The Alaska whitefish is part of the Coregonus clupeaformis complex (lake whitefishes).