coregoni

Coregoni is a common name for coregonine fishes, a group of cold-water freshwater fishes in the family Salmonidae. The term most often refers to species within the genus Coregonus, known as lake whitefishes, though other genera in Coregoninae are included as well. Coregonines exhibit considerable ecological and morphological diversity, and many populations are treated as distinct species or ecotypes in different regions.

Taxonomy: They belong to order Salmoniformes, subfamily Coregoninae. The largest and best-known genus is Coregonus, with numerous species widely distributed around the Northern Hemisphere. Taxonomic classification is complex and subject to revision; several species may represent populations or ecotypes rather than fully separate species.

Distribution and habitat: Coregoni have a circumboreal distribution, inhabiting cold, well-oxygenated lakes and rivers in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They prefer clear waters, and many forms migrate seasonally or spawn in tributaries or shallow bays.

Biology and ecology: Life histories vary; juveniles feed on zooplankton, adults on invertebrates and small fish. Spawning typically occurs in winter or spring in shallow bays or tributaries. Many populations show strong local adaptation and may exhibit distinct ecotypes or forms.

Fisheries and conservation: Coregoni support important commercial and recreational fisheries in several regions, notably in Europe and North America. They are sensitive to overfishing, habitat alteration, and competition with introduced species. Several populations are threatened or have declined; management measures include quotas, habitat protection, and genetic monitoring to preserve diversity.