How to Identify Dolly Varden Trout

To identify Dolly Varden Trout (Salvelinus malma), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Highly variable. Typically olive-green to brown on the back, fading to silvery sides and a white belly. Distinctive pale spots (pink, red, or yellow) are scattered on the sides, back, and dorsal fin. During spawning, males develop brilliant red or orange coloration on their bellies and lower fins, and their spots become more vivid. Anadromous forms are often more silvery when in saltwater.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous small, pale spots (pink, red, or yellow) on a darker background, distinguishing it from true trout (Oncorhynchus spp.) which typically have dark spots on a lighter background., Absence of teeth on the roof of the mouth (vomerine teeth) in a continuous band, unlike true trout., Adipose fin present., White leading edges on pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, often with a black submarginal stripe.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Slightly forked to emarginate (nearly straight) caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, typically with 13-16 rays.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present (a small, fleshy fin without rays between the dorsal and caudal fins). Pelvic fins are abdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Spotting Pattern

   Look for numerous small, pale (pink, red, or yellow) spots on a darker body background. This is a key differentiator from most true trout species which have dark spots on a lighter background.

2. 2

   Vomerine Teeth

   If examining the mouth, the absence of a continuous band of teeth on the roof of the mouth (vomer) helps distinguish it from true trout.

3. 3

   Fin Edges

   Observe the white leading edges on the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, often with a black submarginal stripe, especially prominent in char species.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Generally a more robust, torpedo-shaped body compared to some slender trout species.

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