Whitefish: where it lives and how it looks, what it eats, spawning and fishing

Sig is one of the most common types of salmon fish. Its value for human he alth lies in the high content of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements. It is also allowed to grow and breed this fish in a pond in a summer cottage in order to profit from its sale. Consider the features of this fish, its benefits and possible harmful properties, as well as the features of fishing for whitefish.

Description of whitefish

Different types of these fish (and there are more than 60 of them) are difficult to distinguish from each other just by looking at them. They all have a large flat head, a shiny silver body and dark fins.However, not all of them necessarily have spots on the body or fins. Female fish tend to be larger, with larger scales than males. Depending on the environment in which they live, such as temperature and climate, the appearance of each species is slightly different.

Common whitefish, although belonging to the same family as red fish such as salmon, has white meat. This fish has only a spine and ribs, which makes it especially sought after.

Appearance

The body of a whitefish is covered with tiny scales and flattened on the sides. Its mouth is exceptionally small and there are no teeth in the upper jaw. Teeth in other areas of the fish's mouth are usually not very visible and disappear soon after. This type of fish is quite rare, and some of its subspecies have been listed in the Red Book. Whitefish are valued for their delicious taste.

These cold-water fish can live up to two decades, although catches typically come across as young as eight to ten years old.Depending on the species, their size varies from 9-16 cm in small ones to 45-65 cm in large ones. The average weight of caught individuals is approximately one kilogram, but some large specimens can weigh up to twelve.

Habitat

Sig is a commercially important species, therefore it has been introduced to many water bodies in Russia and the former Soviet Union. It is regularly caught from the Gulf of Finland, the waters of Onega and other lakes. On the Kola Peninsula, he feels great in large reservoirs.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionUsually found in almost all water bodies that are located within the Arctic Ocean basin. It lives in the northern cold rivers, as well as in the B altic waters. In addition, whitefish breeding in early spring are found in Transbaikalia.

Cigs usually live in rivers, but they can also be found in seas and lakes, especially in winter when the temperature drops. Mostly these species are found in cold or temperate climates located in the northern hemisphere.

Cigs are bottom-dwellers and swell up a lot when they are picked up with nets from great depths, like other fish living at such depths. They are known for their migratory habits, meaning they travel from seas to rivers to breed. They have adapted to live in both s alty and freshwater environments.

Useful and harmful properties

Cig is useful in many ways. It is full of vitamins and he althy fats that can help regulate the functioning of internal organs. Unlike animal fats, it poses no he alth risk and is especially beneficial for people with digestive problems due to its easy digestion.

Chigu have found application in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. Fish is especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive as it contains folic acid.Eating fish regularly will provide the body with vital nutrients needed for a successful pregnancy, and will also allow a woman to look beautiful even during this period.

Medical professionals and nutritionists advise limiting whitefish consumption to people who have any of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure;
• inflammation of the stomach;
• thyroid problems;
• tuberculosis;
• vein obstruction;
• inflamed and irritated mucous membranes in the colon;
• varicose veins.

People with disorders of the nervous system benefit from eating fish, as it is a good source of iodine, which has a positive effect on the endocrine system.

100 grams of whitefish fillet contains about 19 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat and 0 grams of carbohydrates.It also contains about 400 mg of potassium, 250 mg of phosphorus, 150 mg of sodium and 2 mg of iron. Whitefish is a good source of vitamins B12 and D. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of developing diseases.

Those with seafood allergies or intolerances should avoid whitefish, however, as the fish can be harmful to their he alth. In addition, lightly s alted or smoked carcasses should not be consumed, as there is a risk of infection with parasites.

It is also worth considering that whitefish contains some harmful substances, such as methylmercury, which can accumulate in the body and cause serious he alth problems. Therefore, when using whitefish, you must take precautions and do not use it too often.

Varieties

Cigs have specific habitat requirements, including clean and cool water. There are several varieties that are not ubiquitous.

1. The whitefish is distinguished by its pale pink flesh color and is a semi-anadromous freshwater fish that migrates to spawn. Found in the Arctic Ocean.
2. Nelma also lives in northern waters, but is protected by the laws of the Red Book of the Russian Federation, which prohibit their catching, keeping and transportation.
3. There are two subspecies of omul: the Arctic omul lives in such rivers as the Pechora, Yenisei and Lena, and the Baikal omul lives in the waters flowing from the Arctic Ocean.
4. Peled is a lake and river fish that is of interest for industrial production due to its valuable properties.
5. European vendace is a type of whitefish commonly found in B altic waters.
6. Siberian vendace, also known as ripus, is a small freshwater fish.
7. Anadromans are distinguished by their large hooked snout and lower mouth position, which distinguishes them from other species.
8. Ussuri is found mainly in the Amur River and the southern part of the Sea of Okhotsk.
9. Valek lives in rivers from the Yenisei to Chukotka, as well as from Alaska along the entire coast of North America.
10. Tugun is found only in Siberia.
11. Chir prefers freshwater rivers located beyond the Arctic Circle.

Reproduction

Sig is a kind of predatory fish that is naturally wary, so it won't bite the hook just like that. Depending on the body of water, whitefish are classified as coastal, deep-sea or pelagic species. They usually feed on the eggs of other fish and their own species, as well as a variety of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and larvae.In addition, they do not miss a single opportunity to feast on fry, juveniles, smelt and other small fish.

Spawning of whitefish takes place in November, usually among reed-covered shallows. This activity continues until March. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on biological dust.

The peculiarity of whitefish spawning is that it occurs in cool waters. The ideal water temperature for whitefish spawning is between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius. The female lays 500 to 1500 eggs within a few days, while the male fertilizes them within 2-3 days. The fertilized eggs then settle on the pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the river, where they develop until the fry hatch.

Depending on where they choose a place to spawn, whitefish are divided into three types:

1. River whitefish that usually stay in their native river but are able to move upriver.
2. Lake that stay within the same lake.
3. Lacustrine-river whitefish that live predominantly in lakes but migrate upriver to breed.

In Russia, whitefish are found both in lakes and in the seas. One of the advantages of living in s alt water is that whitefish gain a lot of weight because fresh water lacks nutrients. Consequently, female whitefish migrate from one place to another during spawning, swimming up the rivers leading to the seas.

Tips for fishermen

Fishing for whitefish is prohibited during the spawning season, and catching white salmon and European grayling is completely prohibited due to their inclusion in the Red Book. However, when it is not prohibited, fishermen usually start fishing immediately after the thaw. The main bait used for whitefish is an upgraded version of the jig.

When May comes around, anglers should start looking for whitefish as they tend to feed on grayling eggs during their spawning season.The most suitable bait for this time of year will be tackle that takes this fact into account, that is, caviar or bait that imitates caviar will be the ideal bait.

People who are well versed in the art of fishing know what gear is best for whitefish and choose the best one.

1. Float fishing is a popular method used to catch predatory whitefish. This technique is especially effective in the spring season when the fish are hungrier than usual after the winter and will take almost any bait, including worms. To do this, anglers use a medium telescopic rod, the length of which reaches five meters, with a special fishing line for large fish or braided fishing line no thicker than 0.3 mm. In addition, the kit should include a small float, the color of which should be chosen carefully so as not to scare away the fish. The size of the hook must also match the size of the fish that is found in this particular reservoir.
2. Fly fishing is a great way to catch whitefish in both winter and summer.A rod up to sixty centimeters long and weighing up to fifteen grams should be used, the fishing line is attached at the tip. At a distance of 25-35 centimeters from the fishing line, two nymphs should be attached, either by tying them with red yarn, or by buying pre-made ones. To determine exactly where the whitefish is in the water column, you must have an echo sounder to be successful - otherwise it will be too difficult to succeed in fishing. If you are lucky, you will be able to mark the depth and fish from this depth - usually first lower the bait to the bottom, and then gradually raise it higher, since the whitefish is found at any depth.
3. With spinning. Fishing for whitefish with jigs is said to be an enjoyable experience. To do this, you will have to use a strong rod, reel and high-quality braided fishing line. As a bait, it is suggested to use zander silicones or deep sea baits, since the whitefish has a small mouth and is not able to swallow bulky objects. Lures that work best are smaller, smoother baits.It is noted that whitefish usually bite on light baits or baits of bright colors; however, it is recommended to experiment with different colors of lures to find out which one attracts the most.
4. Donkey fishing is a suitable method to use when fishing in the late autumn months. At this time, whitefish often come close to the shoreline, which requires a strong rod and a reel with an increased gear ratio. In addition, it is important to have a sinker on hand. The bait for this technique is usually maggot, used to catch whitefish from the bottom of the reservoir. This type of fishing requires moving lures that do not stop when moving. Artificial red lures are commonly used when fishing in deep waters such as holes where whitefish can be found at this time of year.

About winter fishing

Cigs spawn before lakes and rivers freeze, making it impossible to catch them at that time.Also, anglers should be aware of the potential danger that awaits them due to the uneven first layer of ice on fast-flowing rivers. The fish become active in mid-January, so fishing is ideal at this time, called the "last ice" . Whitefish can be found in pits under riffles or other deep sections of the reservoir. They are caught with fishing rods with balancers and flies, large jigs of red or dark shades will fit.

When using bottom rigs, baits such as imitation invertebrates, fish fry and caviar of other species are regularly used. Worms, invertebrates and mollusk meat are the preferred choice for whitefish fishing as they form part of its diet. Fishing with a fly that imitates small insects and jig of different sizes is also effective.

Can I grow whitefish

There are different approaches to farming salmonids, depending on the type of fish and their nutritional needs.

1. The extensive system does not require special pond food and uses the food already present in the pond. This approach is well suited to southern regions and large reservoirs where whitefish are grown in combination with other herbivorous species due to the abundant natural food supply.
2. Semi-intensive breeding requires protein supplements as well as energy sources such as carbohydrates provided by natural feed or supplements.
3. Finally, intensive breeding systems involve pond reclamation and the introduction of artificial feed and fertilizer to create a suitable diet for the fish.

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