Thefreshwater whitefish are fishes of thesubfamilyCoregoninae, which contains whitefishes (both freshwater andanadromous) andciscoes, and is one of three subfamilies in the salmon familySalmonidae.[1][2] Apart from the subfamily Coregoninae, the family Salmonidae includes the salmon, trout, and char species of the subfamilySalmoninae, and grayling species of the subfamilyThymallinae.[1][3] Freshwater whitefish are distributed mainly in relatively cool waters throughout the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
The Coregoninae subfamily consists of three nominalgenera:[4]
CoregonusLinnaeus,1758 – whitefishes and ciscoes, which according to some authors number more than 60 species.[5] There are differing opinions on the classification of some species within the genus and the overall number of species.[2] Some species in Arctic regions of Asia and North America forage in marine waters.[2]
ProsopiumJordan, 1878 – round whitefishes, which includes six species, three of which occur only in a single lake.[2][6]
StenodusRichardson, 1836 –inconnus, which includes two species, sometimes considered a single species with two subspecies.[7] Phylogenetically,Stenodus is not distinct fromCoregonus.[8]
In their ecosystems, whitefish tend to be some of the largest fish and occupy niches as benthic predators.[11] The recent invasion of several invasive species,[12] including the sea lamprey and zebra mussels,[11] has begun to pose a threat to the whitefish population by disrupting historic ecological relationships and prey distribution.[13] This has been exacerbated by other changes to their habitat such as changes in land use, climate change,[12] and the introduction of outside nutrients through runoff.[13]
Freshwater whitefish is known for its mild flavor and high omega-3 fatty acid content.[14] It is generally favored by those who dislike stronger fishy taste.[14] Lake whitefish is one of the most commonly consumed varieties of freshwater whitefish.[14] It is especially popular in theGreat Lakes region, where it can frequently be found, usually grilled or fried, as a popular offering in many restaurants. Smoked whitefish is locally produced as well. Many freshwater whitefish species have also made up an important component of the traditional diets of many indigenous people who have historically inhabited its range.[15][16] Smoked whitefish is sold in Americandelicatessens, especially those specializing in Jewish cuisine, either filleted[17][18] or made intowhitefish salad.[19][20]
Lake whitefish,adikameg inOjibwemowin, has historically been a staple food for theAnishinaabek,[21] a diverse nation native to theGreat Lakes region.[16] In recent years, following several legal battles which restored the ability of native peoples to exercise their right to hunt and gather,[21] whitefish has become a major resource for those communities.Native Alaskan communities also gather whitefish, specifically the inconnu (or sheefish), as a subsistence food.[15]
There are a multitude of species of freshwater whitefish, some are more valued economically than others. Fishing for markets is not uncommon for species such asCoregonus widegreni andCoregonus lavaretus. At the time, there was an increase in younger groups ofC. widegreni because when fishing, humans only wanted the larger fish which ended up being the oldest.[22]
