Name
- Common name: Round Whitefish
- Scientific name: Prosopium cylindraceum
- Order: Salmoniformes
- Subfamily: Coregoninae
- Indigenous names for this species may be available through the Yukon Native Language Centre.
Also known as
Rounder, Shad Waiter
Description
- As their name suggests, Round Whitefish are almost cylindrical in cross-section.
- Cigar-shaped body with strongly forked tail.
- Laterally pinched snout; upper jaw extends past lower jaw; small down-turned mouth without teeth.
- Small adipose fin.
- Large, easily loosened scales cover their dark brown olive-green bodies, and silvery bellies.
Fast facts
- Length: 20 to 35 cm
- Weight: 0.25 to 1.0 kg
- Habitat: Freshwater
Conservation status
- Yukon: S5 (Secure)
- Global: G5 (Secure)
Yukon population estimate
Not determined.
Behaviour
Round Whitefish are widely distributed in the Yukon. They are shallow water bottom feeders, found in lakes, rivers and streams, preferring clear water and migrating up tributary streams. They are documented to spawn during the day, which is unusual, as most whitefish spawn at night.
Diet
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, snails, clams and fish eggs.
Distribution
Round Whitefish and people
- Its past reputation for waiting for the shad (another type of fish) to spawn and eating their eggs has earned the Round Whitefish the nickname “Shad Waiter” in New England.