In 2022, a team of biologists, geneticists, and chapter members embarked on a journey to learn more about different lineages of Arctic Grayling in Alberta. Volunteer anglers collected Arctic Grayling at several sites in northern Alberta. All fish were measured and photographed, and a few were kept for further lab study. The lab studies included various measurements, counts, x-rays, and genetic analysis.
Earlier this month, a paper titled “Morphological diversity of two phylogeographic lineages of Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Alberta” was published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology. This is the culmination of many months of effort by a dedicated team of scientists.
In this study, researchers focused on Arctic grayling fish in Alberta, which belong to two major genetic groups called Nahanni and Beringia. Even though scientists already knew their DNA was different, no one had really compared how these fish looked—especially between the two groups.
To do this, the team used detailed measurements to study the shape and body features of the fish, also looking at differences between males and females. They discovered small but noticeable differences in body shape and a few specific traits, like the number of certain fins, scales and stomach parts. The body shape was actually so distinct that they could tell which group a fish came from with 95% accuracy. They also confirmed that males and females have some physical differences too.
The results support potential classification of the lineages as evolutionary significant units worthy of independent protection.
