Age and Growth of Broad Whitefish, Coregonus nasus, in the Mackenzie and Coppermine Rivers, N.W.T.

Abstract

Broad whitefish, Coregonus nasus, from the Coppermine River differ in both rate of growth and longevity from those in the Mackenzie River. Whitefish from the Mackenzie River are faster growing during the first 6 years of life but have a shorter life span than whitefish from the Coppermine River. Mackenzie River data correspond favorably with age and growth of broad whitefish reported from several rivers in the USSR. Differences in environmental factors such as water temperature, ice conditions, and food species availability are suggested as causes for fish growth differences in the two rivers.