Identification
The Arctic char is a slender salmonid to 80 cm (usually 25-40 cm) with a beautiful color palette. Outside spawning, the back is dark olive-green with lighter flanks and pink to orange spots. During spawning, males color spectacularly: a bright red to orange belly, dark green back, and white-edged pelvic and pectoral fins. One of Europe's most beautiful freshwater fish.
Ecology
The Arctic char is the most northerly distributed freshwater fish in the world. In Scandinavia and Iceland, both migratory (river-sea) and landlocked populations exist in deep, cold lakes. In the Alps, it inhabits deep mountain lakes. Requires cold, oxygen-rich water and cannot tolerate temperatures above 15-18°C.
In the Netherlands
Does not naturally occur in the Netherlands. Water temperatures are too high and suitable deep, cold lakes are absent. Incidental records represent escaped farmed fish or stocking. In neighboring countries like Germany (Lake Constance), Switzerland, and Scandinavia, it is a valued sport fish.
