Grayling fish is white or red. grayling fish

Features and habitat of grayling fish

Graylingfish, known for its beauty and living in fresh water. Belongs to the grayling subfamily and is a close relative of whitefish and salmon, belonging to the same family of fish With grayling.

Individuals of this genus are about 25-35 cm in size, but the length of individual males can be up to half a meter. The largest specimens reach a weight of up to 6 kg. They, like dwarf types, are usually found in the lakes of Siberia, where are grayling fish found in all its diversity.

The color of these aquatic creatures is different and depends on the habitat. The body is usually elongated and covered with shiny scales with a greenish, sometimes bluish tint.

As seen on grayling photo, fish most often have a dark back, in some specimens black spots are distinguishable on the sides. A characteristic feature of the external appearance is large sizes, an impressive dorsal fin striking bright colors, the back of which in some individuals reaches the base of the tail. The head is narrow, and on it are convex, large eyes.

Grayling prefers to inhabit mountain waters with cold and clean water: lakes and rocky fresh springs located in the Northern Hemisphere. Such fish especially like rivers with many pits and rapids, which have an uneven winding channel.

Grayling is distributed not only in Siberia, but also in the Urals, as well as in the north of the American continent. Individuals living in the Amur and Baikal waters usually have pronounced reddish spots located above pelvic fins, and under them are brown oblique stripes with a purple tint.

are characteristic of grayling fish and red horizontal spots, clearly visible on the dorsal fin. Graylings are also found in large numbers in the reservoirs of Canada.

The grayling is very picky about the cleanliness of the reservoir in which it lives, and the saturation of the water with oxygen. However, this does not prevent such people from quickly taking root in areas with a warmer climate, for example, in Mongolia.

The nature and lifestyle of grayling fish

What grayling fish? These freshwater inhabitants are distinguished by agility, liveliness, swiftness, agility and strength. During the daytime, creatures prefer to hide in secluded places, at great depths, behind rocks and in seaweed.

For wintering, fish choose deeper pits, where they hide until spring. And already in April they go on a trip upstream the river or along the lake, in search of small tributaries.

The largest old-timers of the waters, who prefer to stay completely alone, usually swim very far in search of a favorable place for procreation. Young and immature, until they grow up and mature, usually huddle in groups, spending their days in the company of their own kind.

Fish meat is elastic, tasty and tender, with a pleasant smell and has a light pinkish tint, for which it is valued. Many unusual, original and delicious dishes are prepared from it, it can be boiled and fried, stewed and baked.

It is also well suited for salting, and the grayling ear turns out just amazing. The meat of this fish is quick to cook, is considered dietary and, due to its peculiar taste, does not need to add a large amount of special seasonings and spices.

How to fish? grayling anglers prefer to fish with baubles, spinning rods and float tackle. Such an activity is very exciting due to the active nature of this freshwater living creature, which is caught quite easily.

For a successful catch, one should take into account the nature and habits of these creatures, which most of all prefer to lead their lives in places with a fast current, and are practically not found in grassy backwaters and bays.

Grayling fishing is considered sport fishing, and only experienced fishermen can get a really rich catch. But, unfortunately, the capture of this fish in recent times is possible only under license, due to a significant decrease in the number of these freshwater creatures.

Rare delicacy - meat grayling fish to buy can be found in stores specializing in the sale of such products. Also, often with home delivery, a similar product is offered on various resources on the Internet.

This unique product contains many vitamins, valuable fatty acids and protein, which is easily absorbed by the body. Grayling fish price usually is about 800 rubles/kg.

Grayling fish food

Graylings are predators. However, not all varieties of these have teeth. But the structure of the mouth, pointing down, allows them to easily and simply collect suitable food from the bottom of the reservoirs, the most variety of shellfish and larvae.

Graylings are quite illegible in food, eating mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies and caviar of various fish. AT summer months they do not miss the opportunity to eat insects.

And grasshoppers, gadflies and midges, which were not lucky enough to fall into the water, may well become their prey. Great speed and mobility allow graylings to catch insects on the fly, and they are able to jump high enough out of the water to devour their prey.

Separate types rather large graylings do not miss the chance to taste the flesh of a wide variety of small fish and inexperienced fry. In addition, they eat the meat of small animals, mainly rodents.

Graylings are quite patient and can track their prey for days on end without moving and freezing in place, waiting for the moment when the current fast river bring them something suitable for dinner.

Graylings eat a wide variety of foods, which greatly helps anglers to easily find the right bait for them. And almost any bait will fit here.

Reproduction and life expectancy of grayling fish

These fish become capable of reproduction only after they reach the age of two. The appearance of males with the onset mating season somewhat change.

Graylings during the breeding season have a particularly impressive, unusual and bright color, and their impressive upper fin at the back increases, taking on the appearance of a colorful plume.

Some scientists believe that nature has a special meaning in this, because the vortex-like streams of water that arise from such fins make it possible for milk not to be carried by a fast current, from which the fertilization process becomes much more efficient.

With the onset of spring, grayling tends to shallow water to lay eggs, choosing clean places with crystal clear water, rocky or sandy bottom.

To carry out this process, the female builds nests, in which she lays thousands of eggs, which are light golden in color and up to four millimeters in size.

From the moment the eggs are laid, the function of procreation for these fish is completed, and the graylings go back to the abandoned wintering grounds.

And they do not start traveling anymore until the next spawning. The life expectancy of graylings depends on the conditions of existence and habitat, but usually does not exceed 14 years.


Grayling is a relative of fish that belong to the whitefish and salmon species. Graylings like water bodies that have enough low temperature. As a rule, these inhabitants of the reservoir are located where the rocky bottom is. Often the bottom, where graylings spend their time, is covered with a dense layer of pebbles.

This fish is distinguished strong enough fin located on the back. The fin is very similar to the sail. As for the color, it is very bright. The fin is painted with spots and stripes. But the body of the grayling has large and strong scales. The chest and abdomen have smaller scales. There is also an adipose fin. He is on his back. It is thanks to this fin that it is possible to see the resemblance to the salmon family.

Coloration, size and nutrition

Grayling fish has a colorful and attractive coloration. On the back you can see a lot of dark spots. Sides of the body painted in grey colour . The abdomen has a light shade. Juveniles are less brightly colored. But they are also easy to distinguish - by the presence of dark transverse stripes. Not the last role is played by the type of water in which the fish live. For example, in a reservoir where fast waters- the color of the fish is lighter. But in more muddy water- the shade has the color of steel.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to see this individual, as it merges with the ground in the water. There is also another type of grayling - humpback. It has a dark color. His name is probably due to his appearance, because he has a hunchbacked back. The habitat of such a grayling is the Perm province.

the photo of which you will find below can weigh up to three kilograms. Rarely, but still it happened that anglers managed to find fish of this breed up to seven kilograms. But, as a rule, fishermen catch grayling - weighing one or one and a half kilograms. As an exception, some rivers in the Northern Urals have individuals of five pounds.

This fish can eat almost anything. So, for example, her diet includes all kinds of organisms that are in the reservoir. These include:

  • larvae,
  • caddisflies,
  • shellfish,
  • stoneflies.

In the event that a grasshopper or midge suddenly gets into the reservoir, the grayling will not disdain this delicacy, and will definitely eat it. Also, larger individuals feed on fish caviar. Unfortunately, this factor greatly affects the number of inhabitants of the reservoir. Also, large fish feast on fry and shrews. But it is extremely rare to take a photo with this action.

Habitat and habits

As a rule, this fish is found in mountainous areas. Grayling and trout are the main inhabitants of the cold European and Siberian rivers. They are also met in the Angara. And in smaller reservoirs, and in larger ones, rushing into the Baltic Sea. Also the habitat northern rivers. So, for example, they are often found in the Arctic and White Seas.

This fish is nimble enough. In its behavior, it is very similar to a trout. If she senses something suspicious, she immediately rushes to a safe place - to the bottom. If the weather is warm and there is no wind, then the grayling often jumps out of the water to catch a couple of insects. Often the height of the jumps is quite impressive, but the individual quickly gets tired, so it goes to the bottom. All activity and feeding takes place during the day.

Mostly graylings live in small flocks. Based on some research, it can be stated that before they reach a certain age, they are one family. Even adults have their own families.

The photo, which shows several individuals, looks great.

It can also be noted that the young are mainly located in shallow places and all kinds of rifts. The older generation spends time in deep ditches and pits. Often they can be found on rapids and rifts. If it is a warm season, then they live in shallow places, and if it is cold - at a depth. Grayling belongs to a sedentary species. As a rule, in summer time they are in certain places. They can stay there all day and return to the bottom when it gets dark. During the daytime they deep places or hiding behind rocks. They attack insects at a time when they do not expect it at all. As for large individuals, they swim out only at night. In order to better disguise themselves, they hide in the grass.

In the spring, individuals leave the places where they wintered and rise up. At this time, they can be found alone, they are easy to spot, because they have a bright color. Sometimes barren individuals are also found. They are quite well-fed and have a light color.

Spawning

As a rule, spawning occurs at the time when summer comes. After all, the water temperature at this time in reservoirs is from ten to fifteen degrees Celsius. Usually selected areas that have a fast current.

The spawning of grayling is similar to how eggs are laid in representatives of the salmon family. Sometimes the case drags on for a month. For this reason, caviar is produced in two or more batches. Then everything happens quite quickly: the fry soon rise to the surface and grow. If there are favorable living conditions, then after two years - the weight reaches one foot. After spawning has passed, individuals are together again.

Kinds

There are several types of grayling:

  • European.
  • Siberian.
  • Mongolian.

There are also subspecies. Mostly they are not too big, but sometimes there are still large representatives. Let's consider each type in more detail.

European

Meets in the Baltic and White Sea. Graylings are also found in the upper reaches of the Volga and Dniester. The main difference between them is the presence of a large mouth. This makes them very easy to see. This species lives where there is a fast current and a poor feeding base. Under such conditions, for five years, the individual gains only about two hundred to five hundred grams. And the length is about fifty centimeters. They are distinguished by their bright coloration.

In the photo they look very nice.

Siberian

It lives where there is clean water, which is rich in oxygen. in the east as well northern regions grayling is common. They grow extremely slowly. For ten years of life, they gain about one kilogram of weight.

Mongolian

Grayling fish lives in the rivers and reservoirs of Mongolia. This is the most large view grayling. Its weight may reach 16 kilograms. The maximum lifespan is seventeen years. As a rule, it feeds on mollusks and insects. Spawning takes place in April or May.

Grayling fish and its description











How much does grayling fish cost (average price per 1 kg.)?

Moscow and Moscow region

Grayling fish is one of the most attractive representatives of freshwater reservoirs that can be found on the territory Russian Federation. Although it does not differ in particularly large sizes, its unusually attractive color makes the grayling fish one of the brightest waterfowl.

Distinctive component extraordinary beauty grayling fish is a large dorsal fin, painted with a multi-colored pattern, which is often referred to as a sail. In addition, the entire body of the fish is covered with small scales, which shimmer in the rays of sunlight with all the colors of the rainbow.

Grayling fish is a close relative of whitefish and salmon family fish. Accordingly, it can only be caught in the fast-flowing cold rivers of northeastern and northern Russia, as well as all of Siberia.

It is noteworthy that grayling is highly valued not only for its attractive appearance, but also for its gastronomic properties. In fact, this is an unusually tender fish, which is distinguished by elastic, white-pink, very tasty meat. In addition, the low calorie content of grayling makes it possible to use this fish in dietary nutrition.

Meanwhile, grayling fish produces an excellent fish soup, which is distinguished by its excellent taste and transparency. In addition, grayling is often fried or salted. The latter option is especially typical for the summer season, when, immediately after the catch, the fish is gutted, sprinkled with salt, and then covered with sedge or nettle for better preservation. For people who are not keen on fishing, frozen or chilled grayling is on sale, which is often gutted.

Smoked grayling is considered very tasty, which you can not only buy in the store, but also cook yourself. For this, a smoking chamber is used, in the absence of which one can resort to the help of a special smoking liquid - the so-called liquid smoke.

In fishing cooking, there is a considerable list of delicious dishes that are prepared from grayling fish: this fish is not only marinated, salted or fried, but also not quite ordinary dishes are made. For example, a dish called heh. In fact, finely chopped grayling fish fillet is obtained, which is marinated for a short time in vinegar, salt and pepper. Heh made from grayling is a rather simple, but less tasty and appetizing fish appetizer that can add variety to your menu and help out repeatedly.

In principle, grayling fish can be cooked like any other fish. The only condition delicious dish- the cooking time must be shortened so that the fish does not dry out and become tough. And another property of grayling, which only adds to its advantages, is the complete absence of a specific fishy smell - it is fragrant with the aroma of fresh cucumber.

Calorie grayling fish 88 kcal

The energy value of grayling fish (The ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates - bzhu):

: 17.5 g. (~70 kcal)
: 2 g. (~18 kcal)
: 0 g. (~0 kcal)

Grayling is an omnivorous fish, which is distinguished by caution and difficulty in catching. A lot of fishermen hunt for it, but only a part of them manage to catch large individuals. Grayling is the prey of a fisherman who has carefully approached the choice of tackle and bait. Occasionally hooked as by-catch to trout, but this rarely happens.

What is a grayling fish?

The first thing a fisherman should know when preparing for fishing is which family the grayling belongs to. It is classified as a salmon and whitefish species. He also loves the cold rivers of Siberia. It lives in the middle and northern regions of Russia, does not occur in the south.

Grayling is classified as a salmon and whitefish species.

All about grayling:

  • found not only in freshwater rivers, is also found in the seas, swims at a depth or in the middle layers of water, but feels good on mountain rivers in riffles;
  • prefers rocky bottom. Usually grayling is found wherever the bottom of pebbles prevails;
  • grayling spawning usually occurs in May-June, in warm conditions spawning begins in April. When the grayling is spawning, catching this fish is prohibited, and it is ineffective, since the predator does not show interest in baits;
  • the way of life of the grayling determines the low mobility of the fish. The predator does not pursue prey, waits for it in the water column, and then attacks sharply;
  • in nutrition, it prefers animal feed: various larvae, small fish, insects. In warm weather, it can also eat plant foods, but the effectiveness of the bait is usually lower;
  • sizes fluctuate greatly, usually it is possible to catch grayling weighing 1-1.5 kg. big fish reach 2.5 kg, very large individuals were found weighing 3-5 kg. The largest grayling ever caught reached a weight of 6.7 kg.

During the description, it is important to highlight the caution of the fish, in this parameter it is similar to trout. As soon as he detects suspicious movements, he immediately goes to a safe and secluded place.

The appearance of the grayling

There is a mass characteristic features, allowing to determine how a predator differs from other inhabitants of reservoirs.


The size and color depends on the subspecies of grayling

What does grayling look like:

  • has a runaway, elongated body, the entire body is covered with large scales;
  • the dorsal fin looks very elongated and large. It has various patterns and spots, their appearance, size and color depends on the grayling subspecies, as well as habitat;
  • behind the dorsal fin there is another one, it is fatty and is present in all salmon fish;
  • pectoral and pelvic fins are medium in size, have a reddish or orange tint. The caudal and anal fins are similar in color but darker;
  • the color of the fish varies greatly, there are silvery colors with purple hues, and dark brown fish are also often found;
  • mouth and eyes are small. When choosing fishing tackle, it is better to use small hooks.

Among all species, the European grayling is the largest. The main difference from other fish is the large dorsal fin in the form of a sail. The size of this grayling reaches 60 cm in length, and Weight Limit- 7 kg. Most of the caught predators do not exceed the weight of 1 kg, in addition, there are Siberian subspecies, reaching only 500 g in 10 years of the grayling's life. On the lakes, there is a dwarf population of these fish, whose weight does not exceed 200 g.

Grayling variety

In total, there are 7 species of grayling, the Siberian variety has 7 more subspecies. Among them, only three types of grayling are common:


Only three species of grayling are common
  1. European - the largest grayling. His the largest representative is a fish 6.7 kg in weight and 60 cm in length. Medium-sized individuals live in the basins of the Siberian seas, but more often swim in rivers and tributaries of the Dniester and Volga. The upper jaw borders on the eyes. The fins do not have bright spots, they are painted gray. On the rocky bottom they are inconspicuous, it is difficult to see them. The life span reaches 14 years. It is distinguished by the ability to live in fast currents and in places with a scarce food supply. AT difficult conditions within 5 years gaining weight up to 200-500 g.
  2. Siberian. Its main difference is the presence of a large mouth, the mouth reaches almost the middle of the eye. He has more visible teeth. The color of the predator adapts to the pond, catching grayling in big rivers, most likely, will bring a catch of light-colored fish, and dark individuals are found in taiga streams. It coexists well with the European species in the Kara rivers, and is also found on the Yenisei, Ob, to the south it is found in the Altai rivers and in Khovd.
  3. Mongolian. It has more similar features with salmon, has the largest mouth and well-developed teeth. It has become widespread in the northwestern part of Mongolia. It is found in Asia, which indicates the origin of fish from these regions and further distribution throughout Eurasia.

Behavior and lifestyle

spawning grayling

The best fishing comes when the grayling goes to spawn. The spawning period of grayling falls at the end of April or May, with a long winter or in a cold climate, the spawning shifts towards summer. In order not to miss the period when the grayling rises to spawn, we recommend measuring the temperature in the reservoir. Even in the same region, rivers warm up at different rates, so spawning is delayed. It all depends on the depth, height of the river and the presence of underground sources.


When the grayling goes to spawn, the best fishing comes

Spawning of the European species begins almost immediately after the ice melts from the reservoirs. The usual spawning place for grayling is a hard bottom with pebbles and sand, at a depth of 1.5 m. The predator tends to throw eggs in areas with a slow current. River fish prefer to find streams and shallow tributaries. Lake grayling goes to tributaries or chooses a suitable place near the shore. The Siberian species prefers to go against the current, reaching almost to the peak and settling in quiet areas or tributaries.

The spawning period can be used to your advantage. Particularly good bite of grayling before spawning, it starts zhor, during which it consumes almost all the food found in the reservoir. Catching grayling is also possible after the completion of spawning, when the predator regains strength to return to its usual habitat.

Where does it live?

Prefers to swim in freshwater mountain rivers with intense currents. It is a common species in the Urals and the Siberian region, lives in the basins of the Baltic and White Seas. Fish is also common in deep lakes in cold areas, the main condition is the cleanliness of the reservoir and the presence of cold water.

River grayling does not stand still in places with a strong current, it hunts from cover. Usually hides behind various obstacles.


The purity of the reservoir and the presence of cold water is the main condition for fish

Where does the grayling live on the rivers:

  • hides behind stones, various tubercles on the bottom of hard rocks, flooded snags or tree branches;
  • located in longitudinal grooves with sharp slopes of the edges;
  • under the overhanging branches of shrubs and trees;
  • in coastal cliffs.

In places where grayling fish are found, it is difficult to see them because of their camouflage, so you should not always rely on your eyesight. Often the predator is found on calm reaches, various rifts. You can also look for grayling far from the shore, as it feels safer there, provided that there is enough food at a depth, and the size of the river bed allows you to retire to a sufficient distance.

What does it eat?

Grayling belongs to the omnivorous species, but still prefers animal baits. Taste preferences change with the season.

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Grayling belongs to the freshwater fish of the salmon family, subfamily of charis. This type of fish prefers to live in reservoirs with clean, flowing and well-oxygenated water. Distribution area - mountain rivers, fast streams and cold-water lakes in Europe, France and the north-eastern and northern parts of Russia, as well as in Siberia. At the same time, grayling is one of the most beautiful and spectacular fish species in Russia. The special beauty of the fish is given by a large dorsal fin, which appearance resembles a sailboat and reaches the very base of the tail.

The body length of an adult is 60-65 cm, average weight fish - about 2 kg, graylings weighing more than 4-5 kg ​​are less common. Graylings are omnivorous fish that feed on plant foods, small crustaceans, molluscs, insects and smaller fish. In winter, grayling lives in the depths of lakes and rivers. And in the spring it goes to the upper reaches of the rivers.

The body of the grayling is elongated, covered with small scales, which, in sunlight, shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. External attractiveness of the fish is given by small asymmetric spots on the sides.

The chemical composition of grayling is rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements, useful amino acids and vitamins (vitamin D and). Grayling meat contains a large amount of vitamin PP (niacin equivalent), as well as such minerals like fluorine, chromium, zinc, molybdenum, iron, nickel, sulfur.

Beneficial features

Due to its low calorie content, grayling is often used in dietary nutrition. The calorie content of 100 g of the product is only 88 kcal. Despite the fact that grayling meat does not contain a large number fat, it is very tender and juicy. The chemical composition of grayling is rich in useful and easily digestible proteins, which consist of essential amino acids that are valuable for the body.

Dishes from grayling stimulate the processes of digestion, help to strengthen digestive system, improve the secretion of gastric juice and digestive enzymes.

Application

The grayling meat is of a dense consistency, light pink in color, absolutely does not smell of mud and seaweed. In specialized stores, you can buy both frozen and chilled grayling. You can cook grayling in different ways - boil, fry, dry, salt, bake in the oven with vegetables, marinate. Any grayling dish will have a piquant and delicate taste, and the fillet of this fish is suitable for the most daring experiments. Most importantly, in progress heat treatment Do not overcook the meat as it becomes dry and hard.

A very tasty, transparent and fragrant fish soup is obtained from grayling. Smoked grayling is considered a real delicacy. Grayling is served with any boiled side dish, herbs or vegetable salads.

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