Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 14; Vertebrae: 60 - 63. Distinguished by the gill rakers that are longer than 20% of the interorbital width, a total of 22 to 27 gill rakers on the first arch (with modal counts of 24 or 25), and a pronounced hump behind the head in adults (Ref. 27547). Adipose fin well developed, often larger in males; axillary process present in pelvic fins (Ref. 27547). Dark brown to midnight blue above fading to silver on sides and wide beneath; no parr marks in young (Ref. 27547).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Salmoniformes

Family: Salmonidae

Genus: Coregonus

Species: Coregonus nelsonii Bean, 1884

Climate Zone

Location

• North America: Probably restricted to northern Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory in Canada and Alaska in Yukon River, Paxson Lake, Copper River system, Anderson River and Mackenzie River delta. Hybridizes with Stenodus leucichthys, probably a result of simultaneous broadcasting of reproductive products in the same area; occasionally hybridizes with Coregonus sardinella (Ref. 27547). Belongs to the Coregonus clupeaformis complex (Ref. 27547).

Biology

Occurs in small to large rivers (Ref. 5723). Rarely enters lakes (Ref. 5723). Makes fairly extensive upstream and downstream movements related to spawning runs (Ref. 27547). Feeds mainly on immature insects (Ref. 27547). Usually does not feed during the latter part of the spawning run (Ref. 27547). Excellent food fish but usually not eaten (Ref. 27547).

Habitat

benthopelagic

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

Threat to Humans

Harmless