Volkhov whitefish inhabits Lake Ladoga, most often it is found near rivers Volkhov and Svir. It looks very similar to the common whitefish. Its body is oblong, its head has a broad forehead and small eyes. Its scales are large and have no iridenscence. The back is dark, almost black, the belly is lighter. Fin color varies from gray to black. Volkhov whitefish feeds on molluscs, small crustaceans and insects. It can eat roe and fry of other fish species. Average body length is from 40 to 50 cm, with a weight from 1 to 1.5 kg. Large specimens can reach 60 cm in length and a weight of 2 kg.