Arctic Grayling

Arctic grayling begin to spawn between the ages of 5 and 7 years. In the spring, adult Arctic grayling move into tributaries and male Arctic grayling begin to establish territories before the females arrive. Adult grayling then begin to school and will eventually begin to reproduce by broadcast spawning.
In early fall, Arctic grayling will begin to slowly migrate back to overwintering areas that are normally downstream of their feeding areas. The Arctic grayling comes in a wide array of colors. Coloration can vary from stream to stream. Their dorsal fins are typically fringed in red and dotted with large iridescent red, aqua, or purple spots and markings. These colorful markings are most dramatic on large grayling. Arctic graylings’ backs are usually dark. Their sides can be black, silver, gold, or blue. A band of gold forms a border between their sides and white bellies, which are in sharp contrast to their pelvic fins striated with iridescent orange, red, or pink. The sides of the body and head can be freckled with black spots. A black slash lies on each side of the lower jaw. The iris of their eyes is often gold in color. Only their adipose, caudal (tail), pectoral, and anal fins are without much color; typically dull and gray. Arctic grayling are larger and thicker than that of its cousins (salmon, trout, and char) and they sport a unique scalloped edge.
Category:Fish
Category:Wildlife