Arctic Char and Similar Species
Salvelinus alpinus
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Arctic Char. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Key differences: Brook Trout have vermiculations (worm-like markings) on their back and dorsal fin, and blue halos around red spots, which Arctic Char lack. Brook Trout also have a less deeply forked tail and typically more pronounced white leading edges on all lower fins.
Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
Key differences: Lake Trout are generally larger, have a more deeply forked tail than Brook Trout (but similar to Char), and typically have light spots on a darker background, but these spots are usually smaller and more numerous than on Arctic Char. Lake Trout also have teeth on the shaft of the vomer, unlike Arctic Char.
Dolly Varden
Salvelinus malma
Key differences: Dolly Varden are very similar to Arctic Char and were once considered the same species (S. alpinus malma). Differentiating features are subtle and often require meristic counts (e.g., pyloric caeca, gill rakers) or genetic analysis. Generally, Dolly Varden tend to have smaller, more numerous spots and a slightly different head shape, but overlap is significant.
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