Fish Index: Whitefish

Showing posts with label Whitefish. Show all posts

Elephant Shark (Callorhinchus milii)

The Elephant Shark or Callorhinchus milii is one of those fish you would think was created in some sort of science fiction novel. This saltwater fish is found in the waters off of Southern Australia and around New Zealand and without a doubt has one of the strangest mouths of any fish in the world! Above this odd mouth is it's "trunk" which can sense movement and weak electrical field that are given off by potential prey on the sandy bottom, much like the Hammerhead Shark. The Elephant Fish's pectoral fins are large and help them maneuver though the waters. They have two dorsal fins that are very widely spaced. All this makes them an the Elephant Fish easy to identify.

Elephant Fish go by a few different names including the Australian Ghost Shark, Makorepe, Whitefish, Plownose Chimaeras and Elephant Fish. If you are fishing for Elephant Shark you should consider the fact that they are normally found between 200 and 500 meters deep. The only exception to this rule is when they spawn. At this time they are found in relatively shallow waters, which makes them easy to be caught by fisherman. Once caught, they provide flesh that is quite edible and is said to be best fried and battered much like Cod. You can learn a little more about the Elephant Shark in the video below...

If you have any additional information about Elephant Fish including fishing tips or recipes please leave us a comment...

Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum)

The Round Whitefish or Prosopium cylindraceum is a just one of the few different species of Whitefish. This freshwater fish is found in the upper parts of North America including the Great Lakes. Round Whitefish are normally not much larger that 20" and can weigh in at 3lbs. These fish are bottom feeders that eat fish eggs, insects, and crustaceans. You can tell this species apart from other Whitefish by a single flap that exists between the nostrils.

Round Whitefish go by many different names including Pilot Fish, Round Fish, Menominee and Frost Fish. These fish have silver underbellies with a olive brown sides. Like so many other fish on our planet they were once very populous throughout North America, but their numbers have decreased dramatically due to habitat destruction, climate change and overfishing. The State of New York has even gone as far as listing them as an endangered species.

Spawning occurs in the fall normally in November or December. They will choose an area that is rocky like a shoal or sometimes at the mouths of rivers. Their eggs take a long time to hatch, as long as 140 days! Once they hatch, the young Whitefish will grow to almost 5 inches in the first year of their lives. Round Whitefish will reach sexual maturity at around 4 and can live for about 13 years.

Round Whitefish like all other species of Whitefish are considered to be one of the finest tasting freshwater fish in the world with a light mild flavor. If you have any fishing tips or recipes for the Round Whitefish that you would like to share please leave us a comment!

Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)

The Lake Whitefish or Coregonus clupeaformis is one of the most popular fish to eat in North America. They are found in most parts of Canada and also throughout the great lakes and Minnesota. This freshwater fish is normally found in deep cool waters as most fisherman will tell you. The only exception is when the Lake Whitefish is spawning in the late fall and early winter. At this time they can be found in waters as little as 2 meters in depth.

This species of Whitefish has two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, a blunt nose, fins almost look clear. They also have a greenish brown back with silver sides. The Lake Whitefish has a small mouth so it is limited to dining on insects, freshwater shrimp, small fish and fish eggs, and bottom organisms. These fish can reach up to 20lbs and are often found in schools. If you have any other information about the Lake Whitefish, including recipes and fishing tips please let us know by leaving a comment.