Arctic Char
NameArctic Char
Scientific NameSalvelinus alpinus
Common NamesArctic Char, Ivalo char, Alpine char, European char, Fjord char, Sea char, Silver char
FamilySalmonidae
OriginCircumpolar Arctic, Subarctic regions, North America, Europe, Asia
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)250
Max Size (Inches)35
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)34-55
pH Range6.5-8.0
Compatible SpeciesNone (requires highly specialized, species-specific coldwater setups)
Description
The Arctic Char is a coldwater fish belonging to the salmon family, native to circumpolar regions. It exhibits diverse life histories, including anadromous forms that migrate to the sea and landlocked populations in freshwater lakes. Known for its striking coloration, especially during spawning, it is a prized food fish and a challenging species for specialized aquaculture.
