Arctic cisco have a metallic silver body with a brown to dark green back; pale, almost colorless fins, and no spots. They have no teeth on their jaws, but have a patch of teeth on their tongue. Arctic cisco may reach 508 millimeters (20 inches) in length and can weigh up to one kilogram (~two pounds). The Arctic cisco is a member of the whitefish family and is anadromous, meaning it spawns in freshwater, but can feed and overwinter in saltwater. Unlike Pacific salmon, Arctic cisco can live to spawn several times.
Diet: Plankton, crustaceans, small fishes
Habitat & Range
Arctic cisco are in the Beaufort Sea and in the lower reaches of the Colville River, and freshwater drainages east of the Sagavanirktok River. They do not commonly occur east of Point Barrow. They also live in several drainages in the Northwest Territories and Siberia.
Range: Northern Europe, Siberia, and western Arctic North America
Life History
Reproduction and Movements
Arctic cisco can spawn (reproduce) at eight or nine years of age and can live to be 13 years or more. Females may not produce eggs every year and may only spawn two or three times in their lifetime. Arctic cisco spawn in Canada's Mackenzie River in September, but do not reproduce in Alaskan waters.
After hatching, the young fish migrate west along the Beaufort Sea coast. Easterly winds help "push" the young fish to the Colville River delta west of the Canadian Border; more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) from where they began. Arctic cisco remain in the Colville River area until they are sexually mature, at which time they migrate back to the Mackenzie River to spawn.
Feeding Ecology
Adult Arctic cisco eat crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, krill) and small fishes. The feeding habits of juvenile Arctic cisco are unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
Up to 508 millimeters (20 inches) and 1 kilogram (2 pounds)
Reproduction
sexual maturity at eight or nine years, females have up to 90,000 eggs
Did You Know?
The Inupiat name for Arctic cisco is “Qaaqtaq”.
