Arctic Grayling

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

Yukon Fish Species

Arctic Grayling

Slender body, short head, unusually large eyes, small square shaped mouth, and a greatly enlarged dorsal fin.
Yukon grayling are found to be less than 40 cm (16”) long with a weight under 1 kg (2 lbs).
Vividly coloured fish, especially during the spawning period, with a dark purplish blue back and purplish grey sides with scattered black spots.
The large dorsal fin with its rows of orange or emerald green spots edged with orange give the Arctic grayling male an iridescent peacock coloration.

Terrestrial insects form the larger part of their diet, but they also feed on bottom nymphs, snails, small fish and eggs
Arctic grayling are found in streams, rivers and lakes throughout Yukon.

Contact Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries

Environment Yukon

Government of Yukon

Box 2703 (V-5A)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 867-667-5721
Toll free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408 local 5721
Fax: 867-393-6263

Email: fisheries@gov.yk.ca