Dolly Varden Char

Salvelinus malma malma

Conservation Concern 3

Two subspecies of Dolly Varden are recognized in Canada, a southern form and a northern form. The northern form is found north of Bristol Bay in Alaska, along the north slope of Alaska and Yukon, east to the lower Mackenzie River, including the Peel River and its tributaries. Some isolated populations have found their way over low passes and entered the headwater systems of Yukon River tributaries such as the Klondike, Hess, and Rackla rivers.

Description 3

Dolly Varden are characterized by a pattern of pale orange or reddish spots on a dark background. Anadromous (sea-run) northern form Dolly Varden reach more than 35 cm in length; other adults are usually less than 30 cm. Non- anadromous adults retain the parr marks of the juveniles whereas anadromous individuals lose them. Spawning anadromous males develop a hooked lower jaw and are strikingly coloured; all other individuals have a more muted colouration.

Typical Habitat 3

All types of the northern form of Dolly Varden spawn and overwinter in freshwater associated with perennial groundwater springs.

Potential Threats 3

Low water and low groundwater ow in freshwater habitats at spawning and overwintering grounds, correlated with climate warming. Over-harvesting.

Did You Know? 3

Dolly Varden are a valued part of the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit diet. Dolly Varden get their name from a character in the novel Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens—a woman known for her colourful dresses, one of which was green with pink polka-dots. Dolly Varden and their close cousins, the Arctic Char and Bull Trout, have confused scientists for many years, and have been the subject of many studies regarding biogeography and evolution.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/biodivlibrary/6309070806/
  2. (c) Matt Bowser, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Bowser
  3. (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

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Animal Fish
Color orange, red