Fin's Fish Guide
The Grayling (Prosopium williamsoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The mountain whitefish is a salmonid of the family Salmonidae from western North America. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a slender, silvery, cylindrical body with a small mouth and an adipose fin, characteristic of salmonids. It inhabits cool lakes and clear to somewhat turbid, fast-flowing rivers and streams. As a bottom searcher it feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates such as insect larvae, supplemented with fish eggs and small molluscs. The mountain whitefish is a valued sport fish and a local food fish. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grayling?
The Grayling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silvery salmonid-like body with an adipose fin and a small mouth; bottom forager of cool mountain rivers.
Where does the Grayling live?
The Grayling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western North America; cool lakes and fast-flowing rivers and streams.
How big does the Grayling get?
The Grayling grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 23 cm.
Is the Grayling dangerous to humans?
No, the Grayling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Grayling edible?
Yes, the Grayling is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Prosopium
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Grayling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grayling is one of 12,519 species in the app.