Arctic char

Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a salmonid fish native to the cold waters of northern Europe and North America, occurring in both fresh and marine water. Some populations are landlocked, spending their whole lives in lakes, while highly migratory forms move between rivers and the sea. Its flesh is richly flavoured and pink to orange from carotenoid pigments such as astaxanthin accumulated through the diet, and it is highly regarded by consumers. It is marketed fresh, smoked, canned, and frozen. Aquaculture of Arctic char is expanding, particularly in land-based systems in Iceland and Canada, positioning it as a farmed alternative to salmon and trout with similar omega-3 richness and premium quality.