Sharp-snouted lenok
(Brachymystax lenok)

Brachymystax lenok, the sharp-snouted lenok, is a salmonid fish distributed in rivers and lakes in northeastern Asia. It formerly included the blunt-snouted lenok, but recent authorities typically treat the latter as a separate species, B. tumensis, based on differences in morphology and genetics.

As presently defined, the sharp-snouted lenok is widespread in central and eastern Russia, and also found widely in northern Mongolia, locally in northeastern Kazakhstan (Irtysh Basin) and northeastern China (Amur Basin).

The other species from genus Brachymystax, blunt-snouted lenok (B. tumensis) is found widely in southeastern Russia and more locally in northeastern and central parts of the country, as well as northeastern Mongolia (Amur Basin), northern China and Korea. Although the two generally are found in separate areas, there are also regions where their ranges overlap such as the Amur Basin.

Biology

A slow-growing fish that inhabits rivers. A cold-water fish and never goes to the ocean; finds deep cold waters during summer; can be found under the ice in late fall and winter.

Feeds on larval and adult insects, amphipods, small fish, frogs, mice, and salmon spawn.

During spawning, the body turns to a dark red and the dorsal and pectoral fins change to a rainbow of colors