How to Identify Lake Whitefish

To identify Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery sides, white belly, and a darker, often olive-green to brownish-green back. Fins are typically pale or dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Small, subterminal mouth without teeth on the jaws (though small teeth may be present on the tongue and palate), Adipose fin present (a fleshy, rayless fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of salmonids), Forked caudal fin, Often exhibits a slight to pronounced hump behind the head, especially in larger, older individuals, Large, cycloid scales

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, relatively tall, with 11-14 soft rays. An adipose fin is present posterior to the dorsal fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Moderately sized, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal (located far back on the belly), with 11-12 rays. Anal fin has 11-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth Position and Size

   The Lake Whitefish has a small, subterminal mouth (underslung) that lacks teeth on the jaws. This is a key differentiator from trout and salmon.

2. 2

   Adipose Fin

   Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins confirms it as a salmonid, distinguishing it from non-salmonid species.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Its silvery body, white belly, and darker back, combined with a somewhat compressed, torpedo-like shape and often a 'hump' behind the head, are characteristic.

4. 4

   Scale Size

   Relatively large, smooth (cycloid) scales are noticeable upon closer inspection.

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