Arctic char is often called the northernmost freshwater fish in the world.
Arctic char has an exceptionally high-latitude distribution, reaching farther north than any other freshwater fish. It lives in Arctic and sub-Arctic lakes and rivers across North America, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. Some populations remain in freshwater, while others migrate to the sea and return to rivers to spawn.
The species is closely related to salmon and trout and is scientifically named Salvelinus alpinus. Its appearance varies widely: spawning adults may develop vivid red, orange, or pink coloration, while other populations are silvery or dark.
Arctic char is sometimes confused with lake trout because both belong to the genus Salvelinus. Arctic char is also important to northern communities as a traditional food fish and is widely raised in aquaculture.