Valaam Islands Powan

(Coregonus lavaretus widegreni), a fish of the family Salmonidae; the lake variety of the common whitefish. Valaam Islands powan are up to 50 cm long and weigh as much as 2 kg. They inhabit Lakes Ladoga and Onega and are particularly numerous near Valaam Island (the origin of their name). They are usually found in deep places. When the Valaam Islands powan is brought to the surface, its air sac expands and its belly protrudes. The fish feed on animals that live at the bottom of lakes. They spawn in November or December. The Valaam Islands powan have local economic significance.