Latin name

Coregonus laurettae

Other name

Lauretta whitefish

Identification

The Bering cisco has an elongated, compressed body. It is distinguished from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) by having fewer gill stamens. Vertebrae: 62–65.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14.

These fish have a rather high, sickle-shaped dorsal fin and pelvic fins with axillary outgrowths.

Fish colouring

The Bering cisco is silvery in color with a brownish or greenish back. Its pelvic and pectoral fins are nearly transparent, while its other fins are white-spotted.

Distribution

It is found in Alaska, from Cook Inlet on the southern coast to Oliktok Point on the Arctic coast. It is also found on the Yukon River, as far upstream as Dawson City, on the Porcupine River, and in lakes in the Brooks Range.

Habitat

It is a marine and freshwater polar species that prefers brackish waters and is a pelagic-neritic fish. The Bering cisco typically inhabits estuaries, brackish lagoons, and coastal waters but can also travel far upstream.

Size

Males of this species reach a maximum length of 36 centimeters, while females reach a maximum length of 48 centimeters (19 inches). The average length of this fish is 30 centimeters.

Behavior

Most populations are anadromous, meaning they migrate up to 1,300 miles inland to spawn during the late summer.

Food and feeding habits

The Bering cisco feeds on amphipods, other invertebrates, and small fish, such as sculpin. In late summer, the fish migrate to clear, shallow streams and do not feed during this time.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs in clear, cool streams with 1- to 3-inch-thick gravel. One year after hatching, the young fish drift downstream to estuaries. Bering cisco reach sexual maturity at four to nine years of age.

Fishing

Bering cisco are harvested commercially and sold as "white trout." Subsistence fishermen also harvest these fish in small quantities.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Smoked fish is a popular delicacy in New York City, prized for its creamy flesh.