LONGJAW CISCO Coregonus alpenae (Koelz, 1924) 



Order: SALMONIFORMES Family: SALMONIDAE 



Significance : A major constituent of the commercial chub catch of Lakes Michigan and 

 Huron until the 1950's. 



Distinguishing characteristics : Although on an average it is a medium size cisco, 

 some grew to very large size (15 inches and 2 pounds) equal to the largest ciscoes 

 of the Great Lakes. It is distinguished from other ciscoes by its pale color, relatively 

 short fins , and intermediate number of gill rakers . 



Present distribution : Greatly reduced numbers throughout Lakes Michigan and Huron, 

 and a very small population in the small deep hole in eastern Lake Erie that was still 

 present as late as 1948. 



Former distribution : Very abundant throughout the deeper areas of Lakes Michigan 

 and Huron, but most common at intermediate depths (20 to 60 fathoms) . 



Status : Seriously depleted. Only seven have been taken during intensive studies of 

 southern Lake Michigan in 1962-64. 



Estimated numbers : No data . 



Fecundity : Spawn in moderately deep areas in late November . 



Reasons for decline : Recent decline has resulted from sea lamprey predation and 

 intensive commercial fishery for large ciscoes , and increased competition from the 

 small bloater (Coregonus hoyi ) and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus ) in Lakes Michigan 

 and Huron. The low number in Lake Erie is due to very limited favorable environment 

 which has become increasingly unfavorable in recent years. 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : The species might be preserved by collecting eggs from spawning 

 fish (if they can be found) and planting the young in remote, deepwater lakes. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Culture potential in captivity : Ciscoes are very delicate and difficult to rear in 

 captivity but they have not reproduced in captivity. 



Remarks : Data submitted by Dr. Stanford H. Smith, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, 

 Ann Arbor, Michigan. 



References : 



Hile , R. and H. J. Buettner . 1955. Commercial fishery for chubs (ciscoes) in 

 Lake Michigan through 1953. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv . , Spec. Sci. 



