Inconnu

Inconnu.

Name

  • Common name: Inconnu
  • Scientific name: Stenodus leucichthys
  • Order: Salmoniformes
  • Subfamily: Coregoninae

Also known as

Coney, Sheefish

Viewing opportunities

  • Inconnu are found in large lakes and rivers in the Yukon, Pelly, Stewart and Porcupine river systems.

Description

  • Large mouth and numerous small teeth.
  • The lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, unlike other members of the whitefish family.
  • Elongated body; large scales.
  • Silvery colour with green, blue, or brown on back.
  • Dorsal and caudal fins have dusky margins; other fins are pale.

Fast facts

  • Length: 30 to 100 cm
  • Weight: 2-10 kg
  • Habitat: Freshwater and anadromous

Conservation status

What is conservation status?

  • Yukon: S4 (Apparently Secure)
  • Global: G5 (Secure)

Yukon population estimate

Not determined.

Behaviour

Very little is known of the life history of Inconnu in the Yukon, though it is the largest and fastest growing whitefish species. Some river population may be anadromous and migrate as much as 1,500 km to spawn. They spend adulthood in muddy rivers, lakes and estuaries, but spawn in later summer and autumn in tributary streams.

Diet

Aquatic insects, crustaceans and fish.

Distribution

Inconnu distribution map.

Inconnu and people

  • This fish was dubbed “poisson inconnu” or "unknown fish" by explorer Alexander Mackenzie’s voyageurs in the 19th century.