Spring spawning cisco
Coregonus trybomi
Overview
Coregonus trybomi is a freshwater whitefish in the family Salmonidae. It is a spring-spawning type of cisco, which probably has evolved from sympatric vendace independently in a number of Swedish lakes. Only one of those populations survives, and it is therefore considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
The status of Coregonus trybomi as a distinct species is however questionable. By Swedish authorities it is treated as a morphotype or ecotype, not an independent species. It was listed as "Data Deficient" in 2010 but excluded from the national red list in 2015.
Spring spawning cisco faces severe threats from habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change impacts on cold-water lake ecosystems. The species' specialized spawning requirements and narrow thermal tolerance make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities affecting water quality in its limited range.
Habitat
Cold, deep oligotrophic lakes and connected waterways in northern Europe, particularly in Finland and surrounding regions. The species requires specific temperature and oxygen conditions for spawning and feeding, typically inhabiting depths of 20-100 meters in clear, nutrient-poor waters.
Other threatened species in Salmonidae
Threatened in Sweden
Frequently asked questions
Why is Spring spawning cisco classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Spring spawning cisco live?
What are the main threats to Spring spawning cisco?
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