Chiemsee-Renke
Coregonus hoferi
The Chiemsee-Renke (Coregonus hoferi) is an endemic whitefish species found exclusively in Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria, Germany. This silvery, streamlined fish typically reaches 20-30 cm in length and has adapted to the lake's specific depth zones and thermal conditions.
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Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Coregonus
Chiemsee-Renke belongs to the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
The Chiemsee-Renke (Coregonus hoferi) is an endemic whitefish species found exclusively in Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria, Germany. This silvery, streamlined fish typically reaches 20-30 cm in length and has adapted to the lake's specific depth zones and thermal conditions. As a planktivorous species, it plays a crucial role in the lake's food web by controlling zooplankton populations and serving as prey for larger predatory fish.
The Chiemsee-Renke is critically endangered due to habitat degradation and eutrophication of Lake Chiem in Bavaria, Germany. The species faces severe pressure from water quality deterioration, invasive species competition, and potential hybridization with introduced whitefish species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits the deep, cold waters of Lake Chiemsee, particularly favoring the hypolimnion (deep water layer) during summer months where temperatures remain cool and oxygen levels are suitable. It migrates to shallower littoral zones during spawning season in late autumn and winter.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Chiemsee-Renke is critically endangered due to habitat degradation and eutrophication of Lake Chiem in Bavaria, Germany. The species faces severe pressure from water quality deterioration, invasive species competition, and potential hybridization with introduced whitefish species.
Competition from invasive fish species
Eutrophication and water quality degradation
Hybridization with introduced Coregonus species
Climate change impacts on lake temperature and oxygen levels
Habitat modification and lake ecosystem changes
Found in 1 Country
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | CRCritically Endangered | CRCritically Endangered | Same |
| EU | CRCritically Endangered | CRCritically Endangered | Same |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Chiemsee-Renke (Coregonus hoferi). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/chiemsee-renke