Renke is a common name for freshwater fish in the Coregonus group, often also called Felchen, Maräne, or Schnäpel. It refers broadly to several closely related species within the salmonid family, native to cool freshwater systems in Europe, Asia, and North America. The term is regionally used in German- speaking regions and can denote different, but related, forms such as those found in lakes like the Bodensee or in northern waters.

Key points about Renke

• Taxonomy and names: Renke belong to the genus Coregonus, a group within the salmon family. Regional common names include Felchen, Maräne, and Reinanke, which can differ by locality but generally refer to similar cold-water whitefish species.

• Habitat and range: They inhabit cool to cold freshwater environments across Europe, Asia, and North America, primarily lakes, with some forms capable of entering brackish or coastal waters. Different lakes may host distinct Renke subspecies or local varieties.

• Physical characteristics: Renken typically have a streamlined body with silvery sides and a bluish to greenish back, with variations among subspecies. They are usually mid-sized to moderately large fish, often in the range of tens of centimeters to a few decimeters, depending on the specific stock.

• Food and culinary notes: The flesh is generally light, tender, and relatively low in bones, valued as a table fish in regions where it is common. There are many local preparations and dishes that showcase Renke across their range.

• Seasonal behavior: Renke migrations and spawning times are species- and region-specific but often occur in cooler months or around the autumn–winter period in many European stocks. Commercial and recreational fishing patterns typically align with these cycles.

If you’re looking for a specific regional variant (for example, Bodenseerenke, OstseeschnäPEL, or Reinanke from Austria), I can narrow down details such as exact species name, typical size, seasonal availability, or recommended preparation methods.