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WHITEFISH : ROUND
Propopium cylindraceum (Pallas). As their Latin name implies, round whitefish are almost cylindrical in cross-section. They are cigar-shaped with a strongly forked tail, short head, small mouth devoid of teeth, and a laterally "pinched" snout which projects beyond the lower jaw. Large, easily loosened scales cover their dark brown olive-green above and silvery below bodies. They average under 16.5 inches in length and 2 pounds in weight. They are widely distributed throughout the Yukon. Round whitefish are shallow water bottom feeders, feeding mainly on caddis fly larvae and pupae, snails, and fish eggs. Spawning occurs along lake and stream shorelines in autumn. "Rounds" are not important as a commercial species as they are seldom caught in 4" mesh gillnets, but are utilised by First Nations who fish for their own needs.