Body shape :  Elongate and spindle-shaped, slightly rounded

Average size :  38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in), 0.5 to 4.5 kg (1 to 10 lb)

Coloration :  Varies according to habitat; dark with pale spots; pectoral and pelvic fins with narrow white margin.

Anadromous arctic char (spending time at sea but spawning and wintering in fresh water) found mainly in northern Quebec; steel blue back and silvery flanks (spawning adults bright red) with large pink, red or cream-colored spots.

Fresh water Arctic char found mostly in southern Quebec; dark-green or blue-green back; flanks and abdomen brilliant orange-red, more intense during spawning.

External characteristics :  Large mouth with well-developed teeth; hooked lower jaw sometimes visible in spawning males; adipose fin far beyond dorsal fin; dorsal and pelvic fins at mid-body length; forked caudal fin.