Status of the Squanga Whitefish, Coregonus sp., in the Yukon Territory, Canada

Abstract

The Squanga Whitefish (coregonus sp.) is presently known to exist in only four lakes in the Yukon Territory, Canada. It occurs sympatrically with the Lake Whitefish (coregonus clupeaformis) in all four lakes. It is distinguished from the Lake Whitefish (its closest relative) by higher gill raker counts. Populations of the Squanga Whitefish are genetically distinct from sympatric Lake Whitefish in both morphology and proteins, and the two forms are probably wholly or substantially reproductively isolated. Squanga Whitefish are obligate planktivores for the whole of their lives, and are apparently susceptible to competition from ciscos (coregonus sardinella and others).