Fin's Fish Guide
The East siberian char (Salvelinus leucomaenis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The whitespotted char (Salvelinus leucomaenis) is a large Asian char of the family Salmonidae from the northwestern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, dark body studded with pale, whitish spots and can reach about 1.2 metres. It occurs in two forms: a freshwater-resident form that prefers cold mountain streams below 15 °C, and a sea-run form whose young migrate to the sea at two years of age and return to spawn at four years or older. The diet consists of insects, crustaceans and fishes. The species is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the East siberian char?
The East siberian char has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark body with pale blotches; occurs in a river form and a sea-migrating form.
Where does the East siberian char live?
The East siberian char lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rivers and coastal sea of the northwest Pacific.
How big does the East siberian char get?
The East siberian char grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the East siberian char dangerous to humans?
No, the East siberian char is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the East siberian char edible?
Yes, the East siberian char is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Salvelinus
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the East siberian char?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the East siberian char is one of 12,519 species in the app.