Omul or Arctic Cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)

Omul or Arctic Cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) – a semi-anadromous fish of the salmon family (Salmonidae). Actually omul or Arctic cisco feeds in coastal areas of the Arctic Ocean and makes it way upriver to spawn east of the Pechora (excluding the Ob) and enters rivers of the Arctic Ocean (starting from the Mezen). It is a big fish, approx. 64 cm in length to 3 kg in weight. It begins to migrate to rivers in June and July. It does not feed during migration and gets much thinner. It makes its way upriver for 1,000 km or more. It reaches sexual maturity at the age of 5–10 years. It spawns in October, not annually. Average fertility is 19,000 eggs. After spawning it immediately flows into the estuarine area. Young fish hatch from eggs in the spring and immediately flow into the lower reaches of rivers. In the sea it feeds on benthic crustaceans, fish fry, and small zooplankton. It is a very important commercial species. It is fished in Siberian rivers, as well as in the waters around small...