Wildlife

Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus):

Arctic grayling are found throughout Alaska and Canada, and have remnant populations in Michigan and Montana. Arctic grayling are unique to the far northern latitudes, and inhabit the clear, cold freshwater streams abundant in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

The arctic grayling is one of the most unusual and beautiful fish of the far north, sporting a large sail-like dorsal fin dotted with iridescent pink to purple spots. Arctic grayling are generally dark purple to blue gray and have iridescent gray sides with black spots scattered across the back and sides. Pelvic fins are dark with varying degrees of orange-yellow striping. The mouth is small and the eyes are large for sight feeding.

Arctic grayling are drift feeders, gorging on aquatic insects, primarily mayflies, stone flies, and caddis flies. The feeding strategy of the stream-dwelling Arctic grayling is to establish a feeding location in flowing water and allow the current to deliver the food item. The dominant individual in the area will establish itself in the upper end of the pool, where it will get the first pickings of incoming food items. The subordinate and juvenile arctic grayling will be found in less desirable locations in the lower ends of the pools and the margins of the streams. In lake systems arctic grayling can be seen cruising the shorelines in search of prey items.

Arctic grayling employ many strategies to make a living in the cold harsh waters of the north. Some populations move between different locations for each part of their life cycle or between seasons. Other populations may spend their entire life in the same stream or lake. In the early spring, Arctic grayling generally move upstream and return to their natal spawning grounds. In preparation for spawning, the male establishes a territory that is defended from other males by posturing and displaying the large dorsal fin. Once a territory has been established, the male courts the female by strutting his large dorsal fin like an aquatic peacock. The female is enticed to spawn, and eggs and milt are released over a slight depression in the gravel bottom. Juveniles hatch in about three weeks, depending on the water temperature, and start to feed and grow. After spawning, adult arctic grayling will move to feeding locations for the summer's abundance of insects, eggs, and juvenile fish.

For more information:

Morrow, James E. 1980. The freshwater fishes of Alaska. Alaska Northwest Publishing Company. Anchorage Alaska.

Or, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's wildlife notebook pages.

Last updated: July 24, 2008