Arctic char
Salvelinus alpinus
Salvelinus alpinus, commonly known as Arctic char, is a cold-water fish that lives farther north than any other freshwater fish species.
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About this species
Species identity
Salvelinus alpinus, commonly known as Arctic char, is a cold-water fish that typically grows to about 30–70 cm in length. It lives in both freshwater and marine environments, depending on the population. Its body color can vary, but it often has a dark back and lighter sides, with bright red or orange colors during the breeding season.
Where it lives
Salvelinus alpinus is found in Arctic and subarctic regions across the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs in cold lakes, rivers, and coastal marine waters in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Some populations remain in freshwater their entire lives, while others migrate between rivers and the sea.
This species prefers cold, clean, and well-oxygenated waters.
Role in the ecosystem
It is a predator that eats zooplankton, insects, and smaller fish, but it is also eaten by larger fish, birds, and mammals, linking different parts of the food web. By moving between habitats and feeding on different types of prey, it helps transfer energy through cold-water ecosystems.
Scientific reference
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FAQ
Why can Arctic char live in both fresh and salt water?
Arctic char are anadromous fish, capable of living in both fresh and saltwater due to specialized osmoregulation that allows them to adjust their internal body chemistry to changing salinity.
How does Arctic char survive in very cold water?
Arctic char survive very cold water partly because salts and other dissolved substances in their blood lower its freezing point, helping prevent the blood from freezing.