Arctic char facts for kids
The Arctic char, also known as Arctic charr, is a type of fish that loves cold water. Its scientific name is Salvelinus alpinus. This fish is part of the salmon family. You can find it naturally in the Arctic, sub-Arctic, and in cold mountain lakes. Arctic char always lay their eggs and raise their young in fresh water. Some char stay in lakes their whole lives, while others travel to the sea and then return to fresh water to breed.
Contents
About the Arctic Char
Where Arctic Char Live
No other freshwater fish lives as far north as the Arctic char. It is the only fish species found in Lake Hazen, which is on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic.
In Britain, Arctic char are quite rare. They are only found in deep, cold lakes that were formed by glaciers. These fish are at risk from water becoming too acidic. However, in other places like Scandinavia, they are very common and are often caught for food. You can also find them in the Alps, especially in areas like Trentino and the mountain parts of Lombardy. Arctic char are also common in Iceland. In Siberia, this fish is called golets.
Family and Traits
The Arctic char is related to both the Atlantic salmon and the lake trout. It shares some features with both of these fish.
What Arctic Char Look Like
The color of an Arctic char can change depending on the time of year and where it lives. Usually, its back is dark brown or olive green. On its sides, it has dark spots on a lighter background. The body color can be gold, brown, red, or orange. When it's time for them to lay eggs, the fins and belly of the Arctic char become bright red or orange.
Images for kids
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A juvenile arctic char
See also
In Spanish: Salvelinus alpinus para niños
