Its distinctive features includes: a convex head, short gill rakers, and a mild overbite.

It is found in the Arctic-draining streams, lakes, and rivers of far eastern Russia and North America.

[2] Throughout its range it is widespread and abundant, and there are no known threats to its survival,[1][3] though it could potentially be threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction caused by oil exploration, and alteration of rivers.

[6] Recorded items in the broad whitefish's diet are chironomid midges, mosquito larvae, snails, bivalves, and crustaceans.

[2] This fish is commonly consumed by humans, especially on a subsistence basis, and its good-tasting flesh is sold fresh, smoked, or dried.