Arctic
Grayling: The Arctic grayling is an elegantly
formed cousin of the trout. With its sail-like dorsal
fin dotted with large iridescent red or purple spots,
the grayling is one of the most unusual and beautiful
fish of Alaska. Grayling are generally dark on the back
and have iridescent gray sides. They have varying numbers
of black spots scattered along the anterior portion
of both sides. The adipose, caudal (tail), pectoral,
and anal fins are dusky brown and the pelvic fins are
often marked with pink to orange stripes.
Dolly Varden: Young Dolly Varden have
about eight to ten wide, dark parr marks or oval blotches
which contrast with the mottled olive-brown color of
their body. The sea-run fish are silvery with an olive-green
to brown color on the dorsal surface and numerous red
to orange spots on their sides. The mature males become
brilliant red on the lower body surface, and the lower
fins become reddish-black with white along the leading
edges. Mature females are similar but are less brightly
colored. Males develop an extended lower jaw which hooks
upward, fitting into a groove which is formed in the
upper jaw. A hook also forms in the females but is considerably
less developed.
Dolly Varden belong to a group of fish called char.
The light spots on their sides distinguish them from
most trout and salmon which are usually black spotted
or speckled.
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