One of the most beautiful fish in the Northern Hemisphere is grayling. It is common in almost all freshwater bodies in the north of Russia, Europe and America. Grayling fish belongs to the order of salmon, but has many characteristic features that distinguish it from other red fish. Grayling is very popular with anglers and very tasty.
Appearance of grayling
This small fish is quite beautiful and has a noticeable appearance. Her elongated body is covered with tight-fitting silvery scales with a bluish or greenish tint. There is a scattering of dark spots along it. The head of the grayling is narrow, and the eyes are large and convex. A small mouth is directed downward, which allows it to easily collect larvae from the bottom of the reservoir. Although this fish is predatory, not all of its species have teeth, in the European variety they are only in their infancy. A characteristic feature that grayling fish possesses is its beautiful high dorsal fin. It is very bright - purple-crimson with red spots on the membranes and a bright border around the edge. It is sometimes called the "banner." Behind it is a small adipose fin, characteristic of all salmon fish.
What does grayling eat
Red fish is a predator. But grayling is pretty indiscriminate in food. He collects any insects, mollusks, larvae. He loves to feast on caddis flies, mayflies and freckles, but also does not disdain insects that accidentally fell into the water: midges, gadflies or grasshoppers. Larger individuals prey on small fish, fry, or even small animals such as field mice. Caviar of other fish becomes the desired prey for grayling. So his diet is quite diverse. Thanks to this, catching this fish is easy and fun.
Where is the grayling fish?
This predator loves freshwater cold waters. Therefore, it is most common in the northern waters of Eurasia and America. Grayling fish loves fast rocky rivers with a winding channel and a lot of fenders and holes. It is very demanding on the purity of water and its saturation with oxygen, but can also adapt to life in lakes and a warmer climate - it is found even in Mongolia. But grayling is most common in the rivers of Siberia, the Urals, in Lake Baikal and in Karelia. The area of his residence is so large that scientists distinguish several of its varieties: Siberian grayling, European, Baikal and others.
Grayling - family of fish
- Siberian is distinguished by larger sizes and dark coloration. In addition, he has larger and more developed teeth. It is widespread not only in the rivers of Siberia, but also in the water bodies of the Far East and North America. He is used to a colder climate, so his meat is fatter. This species also includes such a variety as Baikal grayling, which are white and black.
- European grayling is smaller in size, and his teeth are in their infancy. He lives in the rivers of Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany and other countries where there are cold rivers with a fast current.
Fish of the grayling family also differ in the type of water bodies in which they live. There are lake, river, and lake-river species. All varieties may vary in size, color, and lifestyle. But everyone always has a bright and large dorsal fin.
Grayling lifestyle
This is a very agile and lively fish. The high speed of movement allows her to successfully hunt for flying insects and small fish. But usually grayling is a homebody. He can stand all day in one place where there is a fast current, so it is easier for him to look for prey. It can jump high out of the water and grab flying insects. During the day, grayling fish chooses deeper places, hiding in the grass and behind stones. It winters in deep pits, and in April it rises upstream or goes into small tributaries. The higher upstream, the larger individuals, because smaller ones cannot climb so far. Grayling spawns in shallow water, in places with a clean sandy or rocky bottom. After laying eggs, grayling goes home. And no longer travels long distances to the next spawning. Large grayling individuals like to stay alone, and small young growth hunts in small flocks.
How to catch grayling
This fish is very popular with fishermen for two reasons:
- Catch her captivating because of a lively and active disposition. Catching grayling is not very easy, although any bait, baubles and insects will do for bait. You need to know in what places this predator prefers to live, for example, in bays and grassy backwaters you will not find it. But he loves areas with a fast flow. Grayling refers to sport fishing and lends itself only to experienced fishermen.
- Grayling has very soft and tasty meat, which is appreciated by all fish lovers. It has a very pleasant smell of fresh cucumber and an elastic, delicate texture. Grayling can be salted, boiled and fried. Very tasty is obtained from his ear. The meat of this fish is considered dietary, it is cooked very quickly and does not require a large number of spices during its preparation.
In recent years, grayling has been licensed only. Industrial fishing is also limited, because the number of fish has decreased significantly. Already much less often you can find specimens weighing 2-3 kilograms. Although earlier there were seven kilogram fish.
In our places of distribution grayling (fish) is very loved. Photos of this beautiful predator with a bright and long dorsal fin can be seen in any encyclopedias and fishing books. Its tender tasty meat is loved even by those who are repelled by a specific fishy smell.