DESCRIPTION
-
The Pygmy Whitefish species is about 4-5
inches in length with a cylindrical, elongate
body and large eyes. It is a brownish
color with silvery sides and a white belly.
Faint dark spots are sometimes present.
DISTRIBUTION
- The Pygmy Whitefish occurs in the Columbia,
Fraser, Skeena, Peace and Laird River
systems in British Columbia. They thrive
in lakes and flowing waters of clear and
silted rivers of mountainous country.
BIOLOGY
- Pygmy Whitefish spawning takes place
in October, November or December in shallow
water of streams and lakes. The female
grows faster and lives longer than the
male (female-9 years and males-6 years).
RELATION
TO MAN - There is no known direct
economic importance except that perhaps
that Pygmy Whitefish act as a buffer between
salmon predators and young salmon.
