Grayling
Species Information
High Plains Grifter [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
Scientific name: Thymallus thymallus
Length:Â 35-45cmÂ
Weight:Â up to 6.3kg
Average lifespan:Â Up to 32 yearsÂ
Conservation status
A species if least concern on the IUCN red list. The grayling is listed in the European Habitats Directive as a species of Community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to fisheries management measures.
When to see
January to December
About
Grayling is a species of fish in the salmon family (Salmonidae) and is found mainly in rivers. The spawning season for grayling is not the same as for other salmonid species, as it takes place in April and May rather than the winter months. This species spawns in shallow water where there is fine gravel and a moderate current speed. Eggs only measure around 3mm and hatch after two to three weeks. Grayling feed mainly on insects, insect larvae, crustaceans such as freshwater shrimp, worms, leaches and molluscs. In the winter, salmon and trout eggs may also be taken.
Not native to Scotland, grayling have been introduced to some Scottish rivers.Â
How to identify
Grayling is readily distinguished from other salmonids by its large dorsal fin and quite large scales. It is often a silvery or grey colour although males can be darker especially during the mating season.
Did you know ?
Grayling have a reputation for smelling like thyme! Grayling fry grow faster than both salmon and trout. The current UK records stands at 4 pounds and 3 oz from the river Frome in Dorset. A smallish fish in UK waters, grayling grow to huge sizes in Scandanavia with fish in excess of 14 pounds being caught.
How you can help?Â
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.