Arctic Charr (Salvelinas alpinas)

Arctic charr are closely related to salmon and trout and are thought to be the first species to recolonise Scotland's freshwaters following the last iceage. Unlike the European populations, Arctic charr in Britain do not migrate and spend their entire lifecycle in freshwater. Living in deep lochs, these fish are common throughout the area but seldom take the fly.

Charr feed predominantly on plankton, and are taken as prey by trout and eels. Like other salmonids they tend to spawn in autumn laying eggs in gravels close to the loch shore. Listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority species, charr are threatened by climate change and various anthropogenic activities. A high degree of polymorphism occurs within and between populations although they are all classed as the same species.