Round Whitefish

Body slender, elongate, almost cylindrical in cross section, posteriorly somewhat compressed laterally, greatest depth in front of the dorsal fin. Head relatively short; eye moderate, its diameter less than snout length; snout pointed, "pinched" or compressed laterally, rounded in lateral view, a single flap of skin present between the nostrils; mouth small, ventral in position, overhung by snout; maxillaries extending posteriorly almost to anterior margin or eye in adults. This species has more color than most coregonids. Overall coloration of adults almost silvery, silvery white below. Scales specially on back, with well-defined, dark pigmented borders, making them conspicuous. Pectoral fins are amber in color, slight amber tint also to pelvic and anal fins. Pectoral fins take on an orange tint during spawning, the pelvic and anal fins also to a lesser extent. the adipose fin is usually brown spotted, particularly in specimens from central and eastern Canada. Two or more longitudinal rows of black spots are present on the sides of young specimen.

There are inshore and upstream movements (Ref. 28863) that may be related to spawning (Ref. 27547). Swims in pairs during spawning (Ref. 28858). Also Ref. 28803.

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 - 15; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 10 - 13

Inhabits shallow areas of lakes and clear streams, rarely entering brackish water (Ref. 5723). Also in rivers with swift current and stony bottom. Migration is limited to movements associated with spawning (Ref. 27547). Epipelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on benthic invertebrates and occasionally on fishes (Ref. 1998); fish eggs (Ref. 593); insects and benthic animals (Ref. 1998).

Inhabits shallow areas of lakes and clear streams and rarely enters brackish water (Ref. 5723, 86798). Also in rivers with swift current and stony bottom. Migration is limited to movements associated with spawning (Ref. 27547). Epipelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on benthic invertebrates and occasionally on fishes (Ref. 1998) and fish eggs (Ref. 593). One specimen taken from a depth of 218.9 m in eastern Lake Superior, off Grand Marais, Michigan (Ref. 1998).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes