CR

Stechlin Cisco

Coregonus fontanae

DecliningLCEULCEU

Overview

Coregonus fontanae, also known as the Stechlin cisco, Fontane cisco, or Fontane's cisco, is a putative species of freshwater whitefish in the family Salmonidae endemic to the Großer Stechlinsee in northern Germany. It is believed to have recently evolved from the sympatric vendace, Coregonus albula.

Coregonus fontanae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its limited alpine lake environment. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and tourism development around Lake Stechlin has compromised the pristine conditions this endemic whitefish requires. Climate change poses an additional threat through warming water temperatures that could disrupt the species' cold-water adaptations and spawning cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic whitefish inhabits the deep, cold waters of Lake Stechlin in Brandenburg, Germany, preferring depths between 20-60 meters. The species requires pristine oligotrophic conditions with high oxygen levels and stable cold temperatures year-round.

Marine oceanic· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in SALMONIDAE

VU

Coregonus subautumnalis

Declining
VU

Bourget Whitefish

Coregonus lavaretus

Unknown
VU

Fatio's Whitefish

Coregonus fatioi

Unknown
VU

Sempach Whitefish

Coregonus suidteri

Unknown

Threatened in Germany

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
CR

Cheilosia varnensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stechlin Cisco classified as Critically Endangered?
Stechlin Cisco is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Coregonus fontanae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its limited alpine lake environment. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and tourism development around Lake Stechlin has compromised the pristine conditions this endemic whitefish requires. Climate change poses an additional threat through warming water temperatures that could disrupt the species' cold-water adaptations and spawning cycles.
Where does Stechlin Cisco live?
Stechlin Cisco occurs in Germany. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Stechlin Cisco?
The main threats to Stechlin Cisco are 11.1, 8.3, 9.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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