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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: vendace

Synonyms and Other Names: (kleine maräne, dwarf white fish, coregoni piccoli).

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Wheeler (1969); Ladiges and Vogt (1986). The taxonomy and systematics of Coregonus is particularly problematic. Some of the confusion is the result of the many early introductions and transplants of the various species and populations within Europe and elsewhere (e.g., Leviton 1996). Furthermore, the reportedly frequent hybridization between related Coregonus species also has contributed to the taxonomic confusion. Many ichthyologists (e.g., Berg 1948) have historically recognized only a few widespread, polytypic species of Coregonus (including C. albula) across Europe. Recently, Kottelat and Freyhof (2007) recognized 59 species of Coregonus.

Size: 35 cm.

Native Range: Northern Europe, northern parts of the former USSR, the Baltic and North Sea basins, and the Swiss Alps (Ladiges and Vogt 1986; Leviton 1996).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Several shipments of eggs, originally identified as coming from Coregonus albula, were imported from Germany by the U.S. Fish Commission in the 1880s. The Commission instructed C. G. Atkins to hatch the eggs in captivity; all or most of the surviving young were later released into the two Maine lakes (e.g., Smiley 1885). Intentionally stocked, this species was apparently seen as a potential food fish.

Status: The introductions failed (Kendall 1914).

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: There is confusion over whether or not the true Coregonus albula was actually the one imported and stocked in this country. Todd (1983) investigated the history of the early Coregonus transfers and summarized much of the information. He was informed by one German contact that the fish imported to the United States from hatcheries on the Bodensee/Lake Constance (such as the 1885 shipment and possibly others) were more likely C. wartmanni. Kendall (1914) used the name Leucichthys albula for this species.

References: (click for full references)

Baird, S.F. 1889. Report of the Commissioner for 1886. Part XIV. U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D.C.

Bean, T.H. 1892. Observations upon fishes and fish-culture. Bulletin of the U.S. Fish Commission 10:49-61.

Berg, L. S. 1948-1949. Freshwater fishes of the U.S.S.R. and adjacent countries, 4th edition. Three volumes. Translated from Russian, 1962-1965, for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation, by Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, Israel. Volume 1:504 pp.; volume 2:496 pp.; volume 3:510 pp.

Kendall, W.C. 1914. An annotated catalogue of the fishes of Maine. Proceedings of the Portland Society of Natural History 3:1-198.

Kottelat, M., and J. Freyhof. 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes. Publications Kottelat, Cornol, Switzerland.

Ladiges, W., and D. Vogt. 1986. Guida dei pesci d'acqua dolce d'Europa. Franco Muzzio & Co Editore, Padova, Italy.

Smiley, C.W. 1885. Notes upon fish and the fisheries. Bulletin of the U.S. Fish Commission 5:465-469.

Todd, T.N. 1983. The feasibility of mass-culturing coregonines in the Great Lakes. Research completion report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ann Arbor, MI.

Wheeler, A. 1969. The fishes of the British Isles and north-west Europe. Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Coregonus albula

Author: Pam Fuller, and Leo Nico

Peer Review Date: 2/29/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.