Arctic grayling

{{Short description|Species of fish}} {{For|the butterfly with this name|Oeneis bore{{!}}''Oeneis bore''}} {{Speciesbox | name = Arctic grayling | image = Underwater Arctic Grayling.jpg | image_caption = | image2 = Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus arcticus.jpg | image2_caption = | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Freyhof, J. |author2=Kottelat, M. |date=2008 |title=''Thymallus arcticus'' |volume=2008 |article-number=e.T135593A4155692 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T135593A4155692.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> | taxon = Thymallus arcticus | authority = Pallas, 1776 | synonyms = {{collapsible list|title=''previous scientific names''|hlist=true| {{nowrap|''Salmo arcticus'' (Pallas, 1776)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus arcticus arcticus'' (Pallas, 1776)}} {{nowrap|''Coregonus signifer'' (Richardson, 1823)}} {{nowrap|''Salmo signifer'' (Richardson, 1823)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus signifer'' (Richardson, 1823)}} {{nowrap|''Coregonus thymalloides'' (Richardson, 1823)}} {{nowrap|''Salmo thymalloides'' (Richardson, 1823)}} {{nowrap|''Thymalus ontariensis'' (Valenciennes, 1848)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus tricolor'' (Cope, 1865)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus signifer tricolor'' (Cope, 1865)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus montanus'' (Milner, 1874)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus tricolor montanus'' (Milner, 1874)}} {{nowrap|''Thymallus arcticus lenensis'' (Weiss, Knizhin, Kirillov & Froufe, 2006)}} }} |synonyms_ref = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fishbase.org/Nomenclature/SynonymsList.php?ID=2693&SynCode=49440&GenusName=Thymallus&SpeciesName=arcticus |title=Synonyms of Thymallus arcticus (Pallas, 1776) |publisher=Fishbase |access-date=2014-02-26}}</ref> }}

The '''Arctic grayling''' ('''''Thymallus arcticus''''') is a species of freshwater fish in the salmon family Salmonidae.  ''T. arcticus'' is widespread throughout the Arctic and Pacific drainages in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia, as well as the upper Missouri River drainage in Montana. In the U.S. state of Arizona, an introduced population is found in the Lee Valley and other lakes in the White Mountains. They were also stocked at Toppings Lake by the Teton Range and in lakes in the high Uinta Mountains in Utah, as well as alpine lakes of the Boulder Mountains (Idaho) in central Idaho.

==Taxonomy== The scientific name of the Arctic grayling is ''Thymallus arcticus''. It was named in 1776 by German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas from specimens collected in Russia. The name of the genus ''Thymallus'' first given to grayling (''T. thymallus'') described in the 1758 edition of ''Systema Naturae'' by Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus originates from the faint smell of the herb thyme, which emanates from the flesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquaticcommons.org/8072/1/119_Ingram.pdf |title=The Ecology and Management of the European Grayling ''Thymallus thymallus'' (Linnaeus) |author=Ingram, A. |author2=Ibbotson, A. |author3=Gallagher, M. |publisher=Institute of Freshwater Ecology |location=East Stoke, Wareham, U.K. |access-date=2014-02-27 |page=3}}</ref>

==Description== [[File:Grayling caught in the Colville River. North Slope, Alaska.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Four Arctic grayling lying on the rocks of a riverband|Arctic grayling caught in the Colville River of Alaska]]Arctic grayling grow to a maximum recorded length of {{convert|76|cm|in|abbr=on}} and a maximum recorded weight of {{convert|3.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Of typical thymalline appearance, the Arctic grayling is distinguished from the similar European grayling (''T. thymallus'') by the absence of dorsal and anal spines and by the presence of a larger number of soft rays in these fins,and also having a larger mouth. There is a dark midlateral band between the pectoral and pelvic fins, and the flanks may possess a pink iridescence. ''T. a. arcticus'' has been recorded as reaching an age of 18 years.

==Range== thumb|alt=U.S. map of grayling range|Native and introduced range of Arctic grayling, ''Thymallus arcticus'' in U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=943 |title=Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Arctic Grayling |publisher=U.S. Geological Survey |access-date=2014-02-27}}</ref> Arctic grayling are widespread in Arctic Ocean drainages from Hudson Bay, Canada to Alaska and in Arctic and Pacific drainages to central Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. They do not occur naturally in the Fraser and Columbia river basins.<ref>{{cite book |title= About Trout: The Best of Robert J. Behnke from ''Trout Magazine'' |pages=157–162 |publisher=Globe Pequot |author-link=Robert J. Behnke|year=2007 |isbn=978-1-59921-203-6 |chapter=Grayling-Summer 1992 |last=Behnke|first=Robert J.|author2=Williams, Ted}}</ref> There are remnant native populations of fluvial Arctic grayling in the upper Missouri River drainage in the Big Hole River and Red Rock basin ("Montana Arctic grayling"). Fluvial Arctic grayling have been reestablished in the upper Ruby River, a tributary of the Beaverhead River. The native range formerly extended south into the Great Lakes basin in Michigan, where the species was extirpated by 1936 due to habitat destruction, unregulated logging, and competition from non-native fish species.

The arctic grayling occurs naturally in the Arctic Ocean basin in Siberia from the Ob to Yenisei drainages and in European Russia in some tributaries of Pechora river.<ref>{{ITIS |id= 162016 |taxon=Thymallus arcticus |access-date=2014-02-27 }}</ref> Lake dwelling forms of Arctic grayling have been introduced in suitable lake habitats throughout the Rocky Mountains including lakes in the Teton Range in Wyoming, central Idaho and the high Uinta Mountains in Utah,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1SB7OB1ob5cC&dq=arctic+grayling+toppings+lake&pg=PA11 Fishing Wyoming] ''Kenneth Lee Graham''</ref><ref name="t-arcticus-utah">{{cite web|url=https://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/search/Display.asp?FlNm=thymarct |title=Thymallus arcticus |publisher=Utah Division of Wildlife Resources |access-date=May 21, 2017 |archive-date=November 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128234345/http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/Search/Display.asp?FlNm=thymarct }}</ref> Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada Mountains as far south as Arizona.

==Life cycle== thumb|Arctic grayling spawning Several life history forms of Arctic grayling occur: fluvial populations that live and spawn in rivers; lacustrine populations that live and spawn in lakes; and potamodromous populations that live in lakes and spawn in tributary streams.<ref>{{cite web |title=Arctic Grayling: Sailfish Of The North |url=https://www.denali.org/denalis-natural-history/arctic-grayling-sailfish/ |website=www.denali.org |access-date=19 November 2023}}</ref>

The Arctic grayling occurs primarily in cold waters of mid-sized to large rivers and lakes, returning to rocky streams to breed. The various subspecies are omnivorous. Crustaceans, insects and insect larvae, and fish eggs form the most important food items. Larger specimens of ''T. arcticus'' become piscivorous and the immature fish feed on zooplankton and insect larvae. [[File:ArcticGraylingUSFWS.jpg|thumb|250px|{{convert|10|in|cm|abbr=on}} Arctic grayling from the Gulkana River, Paxson, Alaska.]] Spawning takes place in the spring. Adult fish seek shallow areas of rivers with fine, sand substrate and moderate current. Males are territorial and court females by flashing their colourful dorsal fins; the fins are also used to brace receptive females during the vibratory release of milt and roe. The fish are nonguarders: the eggs are left to mix with the substrate. Although the Arctic grayling does not excavate a nest, the highly energetic courtship and mating tends to kick up fine material which covers the zygotes. The zygote is small (approximately {{convert|3|mm|in|abbr=on|disp=or|1}} in diameter) and the embryo will hatch after two to three weeks. The newly hatched embryo remains in the substrate until all the yolk has been absorbed. They emerge at a length of around {{convert|12|to|18|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}, at which time they form shoals at the river margins. The juveniles grow quickly during their first two years of life.

==Conservation== Arctic grayling are considered a secure species throughout their range.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchSciOrCommonName=Thymallus%20arcticus |title=''Thymallus arcticus''|publisher=Natureserve Explorer |access-date=2014-02-28}}</ref> Although some populations at the southern extent of its native range have been extirpated,<ref>{{cite news |last1=House |first1=Kelly |title=Gone nearly a century, Michigan anglers can again catch Arctic grayling {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/gone-nearly-century-michigan-anglers-can-again-catch-arctic-grayling |access-date=19 November 2023 |work=www.bridgemi.com |date=October 12, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> it remains widespread elsewhere and is not listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

The fluvial population in the upper Missouri river basin once merited a high priority for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). This unique southernmost population is now extirpated from all areas of the basin with the exception of the Big Hole River watershed. In preparation for an ESA listing, the US FWS began implementing a "Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances" (CCAA). This agreement protects cooperating landowners from being prosecuted under the ESA "takings" clause so long as they fulfill specific obligations, spelled out in a contractual arrangement and intended to restore the dwindling population.<!--- The CCAA, however, is now in doubt. On 25 April 2007, the FWS removed Big Hole River grayling from ESA candidacy based on arguments that (1) the rarer fluvial populations should not have been "lumped together" with the more common lake-dwelling populations and (2) the Montana grayling populations are insignificant and their loss would be inconsequential given the presence of thriving populations in Alaska.<ref>[http://www.fisheries.org/units/genetics/hot_topics/montana.shtml Montana Grayling Genetics].</ref>

On 8 September 2010 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a revised 12-month finding on the petition to list the upper Missouri River Distinct Population Segment (Missouri River DPS) of Arctic grayling as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act finding that listing was warranted but precluded in the current fiscal year by higher priority listings. The Service has added the species to the candidate species list and will work on developing a proposed rule for listing as priorities allow.<ref>[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-22038.htm Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants, revised 12-month finding to list upper Missouri River Distinct Population Segment of Arctic grayling as endangered or threatened: Notice of revised 12-month finding, published Sept. 8, 2010, finding made Sept. 8, 2010]</ref> --> Finally, in 2014 the FWS determined not to list the grayling under ESA, due to the effectiveness of the CCAA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/fish/grayling/grayling.htm |title=arctic grayling web |website=www.fws.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816063200/http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/fish/grayling/grayling.htm |archive-date=2007-08-16}}</ref>

In 2025, efforts to reintroduce Arctic grayling to Michigan streams began, with 400,000 eggs planted in coldwater streams as part of a collaborative restoration initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lofton |first=Justine |date=2025-01-24 |title=400,000 Arctic grayling eggs to be planted in Michigan waters 89 years after local extinction |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/01/400000-arctic-grayling-eggs-to-be-planted-in-michigan-waters-89-years-after-local-extinction.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref>

The Arctic grayling is economically important; it is a "key subsistence species"<ref name="northslope_2009"/>{{rp|43}} for the Iñupiat people of the Alaska North Slope, it is raised commercially for food and it is one of the most important species for sport fishing in Alaska.<ref name="northslope_2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.north-slope.org/assets/images/uploads/Field_Guide_to_NS_Fishes_2009_George,_Moulton,_Johnson.pdf |title=A Field Guide to the Common Fishes of the North Slope of Alaska |agency=North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management |location=Barrow, Alaska, USA |year=2009 |access-date=November 11, 2017 |page=98 |first1=Craig |last1=George |first2=Larry |last2=Moulton |first3=Michele |last3=Johnson |archive-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112162456/http://www.north-slope.org/assets/images/uploads/Field_Guide_to_NS_Fishes_2009_George,_Moulton,_Johnson.pdf }}</ref>{{rp|47}}

==Notes== ;Citations {{Reflist|30em}} ;Sources * {{FishBase |genus= Thymallus |species= arcticus| month = February | year = 2012}} *FWS (2004). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Form for fluvial Arctic grayling (distinct population segment of the Upper Missouri River), commonly called Montana Arctic grayling. November 30, 2004.

==External links== *[http://ecorover.blogspot.com EcoRover blog about Big Hole River grayling] *[http://bhwcgrayling.blogspot.com Pat Munday's rating of Big Hole Watershed Committee effectiveness in Big Hole River grayling restoration] *[http://library.state.ak.us/asp/edocs/2007/04/ocn131346796.pdf Length and age at maturity of Arctic grayling in the Snake River during 2003 / by Alfred L. DeCicco and Andrew D. Gryska. ] Hosted by [https://web.archive.org/web/20071012120420/http://library.state.ak.us/asp/ Alaska State Publications Program]. *[http://library.state.ak.us/asp/edocs/2007/05/ocn137288424.pdf Summer abundance of Arctic grayling in the Chena River, 2005 by Klaus G Wuttig; Steven M Stroka; Alaska. Division of Sport Fish.; Alaska. Division of Commercial Fisheries. ] Hosted by [https://web.archive.org/web/20071012120420/http://library.state.ak.us/asp/ Alaska State Publications Program].

Arctic grayling Category:Freshwater fish of the Arctic Category:Freshwater fish of Asia Category:Freshwater fish of the United States Category:Fish of Canada Category:Fish of Russia Category:Fish of the Western United States Category:Fauna of the Rocky Mountains Arctic grayling Category:Taxa named by Peter Simon Pallas