Malma: detailed description, lifestyle, habitat and reproduction

Malma: a detailed description, lifestyle, habitat, and reproduction. Malma (Salvelinus malma) is one of the most colorful and widespread representatives of the char genus of the salmon family. It is an anadromous fish, spending much of its life in coastal seawater and entering rivers and lakes to spawn. Malma is distinguished by its incredibly variable coloration, high fighting strength, and excellent taste. In some regions, it is called "Arctic char," "white char," or simply "char." It is prized as a trophy fish and an important target for local commercial and sport fishing in the Far East and North.

When to catch malma

Malma can be caught all year round, but the seasonality of the bite is very pronounced:

• January–March — ice fishing in non-freezing sections of rivers and lakes (bite is weak, but possible)
• April–May — spring feeding frenzy after ice drift, especially active in the lower reaches of rivers
• June–July is the summer peak of activity in rivers and lakes
• August–September – pre-spawning run, the most powerful bite
• October–November is the spawning period, the bite remains, but the fish become capricious
• December is the winter low, fishing is only possible in deep holes

The most stable and strong bite is in August–October, when the malma actively feeds before spawning and during its migration to the rivers.

Spawning of Malma

Dolly Varden spawns from September to November (in some northern populations, until December to January). This is one of the latest spawning seasons among salmonids. Water temperatures during spawning are typically 0.5–5°C, often under ice.

The female chooses clean areas with a pebble or gravel bottom and a moderate to strong current. The depth is 0.5–2 m. She digs a nest with her tail, 15–40 cm deep. The eggs are large (4–5 mm), orange-yellow, and heavy. Over the course of a season, the female makes 3–8 visits and lays from 1,000 to 6,000–8,000 eggs.

Males actively guard the nests. After fertilization, the female covers the eggs with soil and moves on to a new location.

After spawning, Dolly Varden char do not die. Most individuals survive and return to the sea or lakes to recuperate. Dolly Varden char are capable of spawning multiple times—up to 4–6 times in their lifetime.

Egg development lasts 5–7 months. The fry hatch in the spring (April–June), initially feeding on the yolk sac, then switching to zooplankton and insect larvae. The juveniles remain in the river for 1–9 years (usually 3–7 years), after which they migrate to the sea.

Description of Malma

At sea, the Dolly Varden has a bright silvery coloration with a strong metallic sheen. The back is dark gray or green, and the belly is white. On the sides are numerous large light spots with pink, crimson, orange, or reddish hues (sometimes called "pearls"). The fins are pinkish-red.

After entering the river, the coloration changes dramatically: the body darkens, the back becomes greenish-brown, and the spots become bright pink, crimson, or red. The spots above the lateral line are numerous and small, while those below are larger and sparser. During spawning, the coloration becomes even more contrasting: males become covered in bright red and orange spots, their bellies and fins turn crimson, and a protrusion appears on their lower jaw.

The juveniles (the "speckled") have transverse dark spots on the sides, separated by light spaces.

The classic form of Dolly Varden does not inhabit the Putorana Plateau, but a closely related species, the Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), does. It has similar coloration, behavior, and trophy qualities. The plateau's conditions (icy clear water, high oxygen levels, pebble bottom, and strong currents) are virtually identical to those of the Far Eastern rivers where Dolly Varden reaches its maximum size and displays its best qualities.

Habitat and behavioral characteristics

The range of the malma covers the northern part of the Pacific Ocean:

• along the Asian coast - from the Bering Strait to North Korea and Japan
• in American - from Alaska to California
• in the Arctic seas - to the Mackenzie River in the east and the Kolyma River in the west

In the Asian part, two subspecies are distinguished:

• Northern (typical) Malma - larger, with long sea migrations
• Southern malma is smaller and stays closer to the coast and estuaries

Malma are primarily migratory, but also form resident freshwater populations (especially the southern form). Juveniles live in rivers for 1–9 years, then migrate to the sea. Marine migrations can reach 1,600 km.

Freshwater forms:

• lake-river - fattens in lakes, spawns in streams and tributaries
• lake - lives and spawns only in the lake

Diet of malma

Malma is a predator and benthophage. Juveniles feed on:

• larvae of aquatic insects (mosquitoes, caddis flies, mayflies)
• crustaceans (amphipods, mysids, shrimp)
• mollusks
• insects falling into the water

An adult malma actively eats:

• small fish (young whitefish, grayling, smelt)
• salmon caviar (especially chum salmon and pink salmon)
• crustaceans
• mollusks
• insect larvae

During salmon spawning, Dolly Varden trout gather under riffles and in pits below the spawning grounds, where they feed en masse on the eggs that roll down and are squeezed out of the females' abdomens. This is one of the main food sources for Dolly Varden trout in spawning rivers.

Reproduction of Malma

Dolly Varden reaches sexual maturity at 5–7 years of age. Spawning occurs in September–November (sometimes until December–January) in mountain lakes, springs, and fast-flowing mountain rivers.

During the spawning period, the migratory malma acquires its breeding plumage:

• the body darkens
• the spots become brighter
• the belly and fins acquire a red or orange color
• In males, a growth appears on the lower jaw

The female buries her eggs in the ground. After the first spawning, the Dolly Varden trout does not die and can spawn several times.

Spawning fish exhibit almost absolute homing—almost 100% of individuals return to their natal river.

On the Putorana Plateau, closely related salmonid species (Arctic char and lenok ) reproduce in similar conditions: mountain lakes, springs, and fast-flowing rivers. Here, the fish reach sexual maturity at 5–7 years of age, spawn in the fall (September–November), and many individuals survive the spawning season, returning to the lakes to feed.

Catching malma

Malma bite actively only in rivers and lakes. Fishing in the sea is poor. In open water, they are caught with a float rod, spinning rod, and bottom fishing rod.

The following is used as a nozzle:

• lard
• salted sockeye salmon meat
• deer and bear meat
• cranberry
• caddisfly
• maggots
• sometimes artificial baits - flies and spoons

Pork fat, venison, bear meat, and fish are cut into small, elongated slices 3–4 cm thick. A combination of pork fat on the shank and venison or bear meat on the hook point produces good results.

Sometimes, it's better to catch malma using lard alone or in combination with a piece of red foam rubber. Lingonberries are a good bait when fishing with a running bottom rod in September on fast-flowing mountain rivers.

In summer, catching malma using caddis flies and maggots gives especially good results.

Dolly Varden responds well to spoons and artificial flies in summer, and vertical spoons in winter, but significantly less effectively than other lures. Moreover, they prefer brown and black flies.

Experienced anglers always have a fishing rod, spinning rod, bottom fishing rod, and even a fly boat on hand. This allows them to fish every hole in the river or lake with a variety of techniques and offer the Dolly Varden a wide variety of baits.

The fall bite of Dolly Varden differs dramatically from the summer one. Congregating in the holes, they lose their caution and sometimes bite greedily, quickly dragging the tackle to the bottom and away. After such bites, the Dolly Varden hooks itself. But this doesn't happen very often, so hooking is essential, and afterward, care is taken to prevent the prey from escaping under the ice where the angler is standing, otherwise they will snag or break the tackle. Incidentally, very large Dolly Varden bite at this time.

In winter, Malma are caught in rivers using fresh fish (sockeye salmon). A sinker is lowered into a hole to the bottom, lifted slightly, and periodically twitched upward. A bite occurs when the bait rises. When the bite is poor, they don't stay in one place for long, but move around the river in search of fish holding areas. Small Malma typically stay in small schools in the current at this time, while larger ones hang out under steep banks, snags, at the edge of the current and still water, or in small backwaters.

In lakes, malma is hunted with a medium-sized spoon (4–6 cm), white or yellow, with a tightly soldered double or single hook.

Spring fishing begins in the rivers adjacent to the Okhotsk coast in mid-May, when they open up, and later in the northern part of the Magadan region.

Awakening from hibernation, the river quickly carries ice floes down its center. But in quiet spots near the banks, the ice lingers. Medium and large fish, still afraid to venture into open water, hide beneath it. Knowing the deep holes, you can successfully catch Dolly Varden char from the remaining ice floes in the winter.

At the end of May and June, when migratory fish mostly go to sea, the malma bite weakens somewhat.

Arctic char are caught by jigging in shallows where the fish congregate in large numbers. The bait is cast 15–20 meters above the fishing spot and held at eye level. It's best to use a lightweight spinning rod, which is easy to cast, as well as the hooked fish. When jigging or spooning for Dolly Varden, avoid making sudden movements to avoid spooking the school.

On the Putorana Plateau, fishing for closely related salmonids (Arctic char and lenok) takes place in similar conditions: rivers and lakes with clear water. Spinning rods, bottom fishing rods, and fly fishing are used here, and the best baits are worms, caddis flies, maggots, and pieces of fish. Due to the lack of civilization, the fish here are less skittish and are more likely to take artificial lures.

Landing a Malma

The Malma is a strong and lively fish. When reeling in, it makes powerful jerks, leaps, and dives into the deep. The hookset should be sharp, and the reeling should be firm, with constant tension. In rivers, the fish often dive into the current or under rocks, while in lakes, it dives into the deep. A good drag and a thin leader are essential.

On the Putorana Plateau, landing closely related salmonids (Arctic char and lenok) requires skill—the fish here are very strong and reach large sizes thanks to ideal conditions. Landing a fish often takes 10–30 minutes, especially for specimens weighing 5–10 kg.

The Malma is a valuable and beautiful salmonid. Unlike the freshwater giants of the Putorana Plateau—taimen, lenok, and char—which reach remarkable sizes in crystal-clear rivers and lakes thanks to the pristine environment and abundant natural food, the Malma combines marine feeding and freshwater spawning. It rules the northern coastal waters and rivers, where its silvery schools and vibrant spawning remain an unrivaled spectacle of the wild.

Nutritional value of malma

The Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) is one of the most delicious and nutritious fish in the salmon family, especially among the char. Its meat is prized for its high fat content, tender texture, pure flavor without off-flavors, and almost complete absence of small bones. The fat content of Dolly Varden varies greatly depending on the season, habitat, and age of the fish: in the sea and before spawning, it reaches 10–18%, while in rivers after spawning, it drops to 4–8%. It is this natural fat content, combined with complete protein, that makes Dolly Varden one of the most nutritious freshwater and marine fish in northern regions.

Chemical composition of malma meat (per 100 g of raw product)

• Caloric content: 130–220 kcal (on average 160–180 kcal, depending on fat content)
• Protein: 17–20 g (high-quality protein with a complete set of essential amino acids)
• Fats: 6–18 g (average 10–14 g), of which:
  – Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids – 1.8–4.2 g (one of the leaders among freshwater fish)
  – Omega-6 – 0.3–0.8 g
  – saturated fat – 2–5 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Water: 65–75 g
• Ash (mineral substances): 1.1–1.6 g

Malma is one of the record-holders among whitefish and char for its omega-3 fatty acid content in freshwater conditions. Its oil is more easily digestible than that of ocean-going salmon and leaves a relatively light feeling.

Vitamins (per 100 g)

• Vitamin D – 10–22 mcg (100–220% of the daily value)
• Vitamin B12 – 4–8 mcg (160–330% of the daily value)
• Vitamin B6 - 0.4–0.7 mg
• Niacin (PP, B3) - 5-10 mg
• Riboflavin (B2) - 0.15–0.3 mg
• Thiamine (B1) — 0.08–0.2 mg
• Vitamin A - 30–80 mcg
• Vitamin E — 1–3 mg

The particularly high content of vitamin D and B12 makes malma an indispensable product for residents of northern regions, where deficiency of these substances is very common.

Minerals (per 100 g)

• Phosphorus — 240–360 mg
• Potassium - 320–480 mg
• Magnesium - 30-50 mg
• Calcium - 15-35 mg
• Sodium - 50-90 mg
• Iron - 0.7-1.5 mg
• Zinc — 0.9–1.8 mg
• Selenium — 30–60 mcg
• Iodine - 15–40 mcg
• Copper - 0.06–0.15 mg

Malma is one of the leaders among freshwater fish in terms of selenium and iodine content, which is especially important for the prevention of thyroid disease and supporting the immune system.

Health benefits of malma meat

Regular consumption of malma (100–200 g 2–3 times a week) has a powerful positive effect on the body:

• strengthens the cardiovascular system (Omega-3 reduces triglyceride levels, "bad" cholesterol, and blood pressure)
• supports brain health, nervous system health, and cognitive function (vitamin B12, Omega-3, selenium)
• improves the condition of bones and teeth (high content of vitamin D and phosphorus)
• increases immunity and resistance to infections
• helps with anemia and iron deficiency
• has a beneficial effect on skin, hair and nails (vitamins A, E, zinc, selenium)
• normalizes metabolism and blood sugar levels
• promotes recovery after physical exertion, surgery and long-term illnesses
• reduces inflammation in the body
• prevention of thyroid diseases (high content of iodine and selenium)

Malma is especially useful in northern regions where there is little sun and a deficiency of vitamin D, Omega-3 and iodine is common.

Features of preparation and use

Malma is best prepared with minimal heat treatment to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients:

• lightly salted (stroganina) is the healthiest and most popular method
• cold smoked
• dried
• baked in foil or steamed
• fried or boiled - less preferable (some fats and vitamins are destroyed at high temperatures)

Malma fat is light and easily digestible, so even with a high fat content, the fish does not leave a feeling of heaviness.

Conclusion

Muksun and Malma are two of the fattest and most nutritious freshwater salmon in the North. Unlike migratory Pacific species, they live their entire lives in freshwater, grow slowly, and accumulate fat. On the Putorana Plateau, similar whitefish and char species reach exceptional levels thanks to the pristine environment, icy clear water, and abundant natural food. Here, Malma and its closest relatives remain among the healthiest, tastiest, and most nutritious foods found in northern rivers and lakes.