How to Identify Arctic Char

To identify Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Highly variable depending on age, sex, and environment. Non-spawning fish are typically dark green to brown on the back, silvery on the sides, and white on the belly, often with pale spots (pink, red, or yellow) on the sides. Spawning males develop brilliant red, orange, or yellow bellies and lower fins, with intense spotting. Females also show increased coloration but less intensely than males. Fins may have white leading edges.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Absence of teeth on the shaft of the vomer (a key salmonid identification feature)., Small, embedded scales., Adipose fin present., Deeply forked caudal fin., Vibrant spawning coloration, particularly in males.

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short dorsal fin, typically with 10-14 rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming salmonids.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, typically with 13-16 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, and the anal fin is relatively short with 9-12 rays. All fins may have white leading edges, especially the pelvic and anal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Vomerine Teeth

   Unlike trout and salmon, Arctic Char typically lack teeth on the shaft of the vomer bone, possessing them only on the head of the vomer. This requires careful examination.

2. 2

   Coloration and Spots

   Non-spawning char have pale spots (pink, red, yellow) on a darker background, which are generally larger and fewer than the spots on trout. Spawning coloration is very distinct, with brilliant red/orange bellies.

3. 3

   Fin Edges

   Often, the leading edges of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are white, a feature shared with some other char species but useful for general identification.

4. 4

   Caudal Fin

   The caudal fin is typically deeply forked, more so than many trout species.

5. 5

   Scale Size

   Arctic Char have very small, embedded scales, giving them a smooth feel compared to many other salmonids.

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