Salvelinus

Salvelinus alpinus alpinus

File:Char video ENG lang video by Natural Resources Wales.webm

Röding, Iduns kokbok

Salvelinus killinensis

Salvelinus alpinus

Japansk röding

Salvelinus is a genus of fish in the Salmonidae family, which also includes salmon, trout, and char. Members of the Salvelinus genus are commonly referred to as char or charr, and they are native to cold-water habitats in the Northern Hemisphere, including freshwater and saltwater environments. The genus includes well-known species such as the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus).

Description

Salvelinus species are characterized by their light-colored spots on a darker body, which distinguishes them from the trout of the genus Oncorhynchus and Salmo, which have dark spots on a lighter body. They have small scales and a body shape that can vary significantly from species to species, ranging from elongated to more rounded forms. The size of these fish can also vary widely, with some species reaching lengths of over 100 cm and weights of several kilograms, while others remain much smaller.

Habitat and Distribution

Salvelinus species are found in cold-water environments across the globe. Their distribution spans from the Arctic and Subarctic regions down to mountainous areas in more temperate zones. They are adaptable to various aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas in the sea where they can undertake significant migrations. Some species of Salvelinus are anadromous, migrating from saltwater to freshwater to spawn, similar to some salmon species.

Ecology and Behavior

The diet of Salvelinus species primarily consists of invertebrates, but they can also feed on smaller fish, especially as they grow larger. They play a significant role in their ecosystems as both predator and prey. Their spawning habits can vary, with some species laying their eggs in the fall and others in the spring. The habitat preferences for spawning also vary, with some species choosing shallow areas with fast-flowing water, while others spawn in deeper water.

Conservation

Many Salvelinus species are of significant ecological and economic importance. However, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, which can lead to declines in their populations. Conservation efforts for these species include habitat restoration, pollution control, and regulations on fishing. Some species are also raised in aquaculture to support both conservation and commercial fishing efforts.

In Culture

Salvelinus species, especially the brook trout and Arctic char, are highly regarded by anglers for their fighting abilities and are sought after for recreational fishing. They are also celebrated in various cultures for their culinary value.