How to Identify Cisco

To identify Cisco (Coregonus artedi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery sides, darker (bluish-green to olive-brown) dorsal surface, white belly. Fins are typically clear to dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, slender body, laterally compressed., Large, cycloid scales., Small, terminal mouth with a slightly projecting lower jaw., Adipose fin present (characteristic of salmonids)., Relatively large eyes., Typically 25-40 cm (10-16 inches) in length, but can reach up to 50 cm (20 inches) and 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-13 soft rays. Located mid-body.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins, typically with 14-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a slender, silvery body with a darker back and white belly. The body is more compressed laterally than other Coregonus species like Lake Whitefish.

2. 2

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is terminal or slightly superior (lower jaw slightly projecting), distinguishing it from the subterminal mouth of Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis).

3. 3

   Gill Rakers

   Count the gill rakers on the first gill arch. Cisco typically have a high number of long, slender gill rakers (usually 40-65), which are adapted for filter-feeding on zooplankton. This is a key diagnostic feature to differentiate from other Coregonus species.

4. 4

   Adipose Fin

   Confirm the presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin, characteristic of the Salmonidae family.

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