Røye

Røye is the Norwegian word for Arctic char, a freshwater fish belonging to the Salmonidae family. It is closely related to salmon and trout. Arctic char are found in cold, clear lakes and rivers across the Arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In Norway, røye are particularly common in mountain lakes and fjords. They typically have a dark olive-green or bluish back, fading to a lighter, often speckled, belly. During the spawning season, their coloration can become more vibrant, with males developing red or orange undersides and fins. Røye are opportunistic feeders, consuming a diet of small fish, insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton. They are an important species for both recreational fishing and as a food source in the regions where they are found. The fish can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but thrive in water below 15 degrees Celsius. Several subspecies or regional variations of Arctic char exist, and their exact taxonomy is a subject of ongoing research.