The Lake Charr Salvelinus namaycush: Biology, Ecology, Distribution, and Management

The lake charr, Salvelinus namaycush, is a large, long-lived, iteroparous fish that is a top predator in cold-water lake ecosystems. It is highly adaptable and can be planktivorous in small lakes, but is often the top predator in these systems. This book provides an up-to-date summary of the species' distribution, genetics, physiology, ecology, and conservation, with a new standard lake charr-specific terminology. It will be a valuable reference text for biologists, ecologists, fishery managers, and the angling public.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 497 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The lake charr, Salvelinus namaycush, is a widespread inhabitant of cold-water lake ecosystems in previously glaciated regions of northern continental U.S., Alaska, and Canada. It holds significant importance in terms of commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries. Notably, the lake charr stands out among other charr species due to its impressive size, longevity, iteroparity, specialization as a top predator, reduced sexual dimorphism, prevalence of lacustrine spawning, and utilization of deepwater habitats. This species displays remarkable variability in its phenotype, physiology, and life history, which is evident in its ecology and genetics. It is not uncommon to encounter up to four morphs or ecotypes coexisting within a single lake.

The lake charr often assumes the role of the top predator in these aquatic systems, yet it exhibits remarkable adaptability in its trophic behavior. In smaller lakes, it frequently engages in planktivorous feeding. By their name, lake charr signifies their affinity for lakes, both large and small, but they are also known to frequent rivers and occasionally venture into the Arctic Ocean. The movement and behavior of lake charr are driven by the need for access to cool, well-oxygenated water, foraging opportunities, predator avoidance, and reproduction.

Due to their broad distribution and diverse trophic level, lake charr serves as a valuable sentinel of anthropogenic change. This comprehensive volume aims to provide an up-to-date summary of our current knowledge about lake charr, encompassing its distribution, genetics, physiology, ecology, and more. The book begins with an updated distribution and a revised treatment of the paleoecology of the species. Since the last major synthesis on the lake charr over 40 years ago, significant advancements have been made in our understanding of ecological and genetic diversity, as well as the movement and behavior of this species.

The middle sections of the book delve into detailed accounts of various aspects of lake charr biology, such as population dynamics, food habits, reproductive strategies, and interactions with other aquatic organisms. These chapters offer valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes of lake charr and their adaptations to their environment.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in learning more about lake charr and its role in aquatic ecosystems. It provides a comprehensive compilation and synthesis of available information on the species, highlighting its unique characteristics, ecological significance, and the challenges it faces in the modern world.

Weight: 813g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030622619
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021