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Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) — Salmonidae

Lenok

Brachymystax lenok
Family: Salmonidae

The Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Kazakhstan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Mongolia, Russia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The lenok is a migratory salmonid (Salmonidae) from cold rivers and mountain lakes of East Asia, including the Amur and Baikal region. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an elongate, dark body with numerous small dark spots and an adipose fin, and a relatively small, inferior mouth. As a cold-water predator it eats insects, small fish and invertebrates. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lenok?

The Lenok has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lenok live?

The Lenok lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: China, Kazakhstan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Mongolia, Russia

How big does the Lenok get?

The Lenok grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.

Is the Lenok dangerous to humans?

No, the Lenok 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 Lenok edible?

Yes, the Lenok is commonly eaten.

More photos

Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) — Salmonidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) — Salmonidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) gwt555, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Lenok sourced
Scientific name
Brachymystax lenok
Family
Salmonidae
Other names
Lenok; Manchurian trout verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Average length (cm)
55.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Kazakhstan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Mongolia, Russia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Salmonidae

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