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LONGJAW CISCO Coregonus alpenae (Koelz, 1924) <br />Order: SALMONIFORMES Family: SALMONIDAE <br />Significance: A major constituent of the commercial chub catch of Lakes Michigan and <br />Huron until the 1950's . <br />Distinguishing characterisn~~: Although on an average it is a medium size Cisco, <br />some grew to very large size (15 inches and 2 pounds) equal to the largest ciscoes <br />of the Great Lakes. It is distinguished from other ciscoes by its pale color, relatively <br />short fins , and intermediate number of gill rakers . <br />Present distribution: Greatly reduced numbers throughout Lakes Michigan and Huron, <br />and a very small population in the small deep hole in eastern Lake Erie that was still <br />present as late as 1948. <br />Former distribution: Very abundant throughout the deeper areas of Lakes Michigan <br />and Huron, but most common at intermediate depths (20 to 60 fathoms) . <br />Status: Seriously depleted. Only seven have been taken during intensive studies of <br />southern Lake Michigan in 1962-64. <br />Estimated numbers: No data. <br />Fecundity: Spawn in moderately deep areas in late November. <br />Reasons for decline: Recent decline has resulted from sea lamprey predation and <br />intensive commercial fishery for large ciscoes, and increased competition from the <br />small bloater (Coregonus ho i) and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Lakes Michigan <br />and Huron . The low number in Lake Erie is due to very limited favorable environment <br />which has become increasingly unfavorable in recent years . <br />Protective measures already taken: None . <br />Measures proposed: The species might be preserved by collecting eggs from spawning <br />fish (if they can be found) and planting the young in remote, deepwater lakes . <br />Number in captivity: None . <br />Culture potential in captivity: ciscoes are very delicate and difficult to rear in <br />captivity but they have not reproduced in captivity. <br />Remarks: Data submitted by Dr. Stanford H. Smith, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, <br />Ann Arbor , Michigan . <br />References: <br />Hile , R . and H . J . Buettner . 1955. Commercial fishery for chubs (ciscoes) in <br />Lake Michigan through 1953. U . S . Fish and Wildlife Serv . , Spec . Sci . <br />