Brachymystax lenok

Brachymystax lenok, commonly known as the sharp-snouted lenok, is a species of salmonid fish inhabiting the rivers and lakes of northeastern Asia. Previously, this species was often confused with the blunt-snouted lenok. However, recent research has revealed significant morphological and genetic differences, allowing for the classification of the blunt-snouted lenok as a distinct species, Brachymystax tumensis.

The sharp-snouted lenok is quite widespread, found across central and eastern Russia, northern Mongolia, northeastern Kazakhstan (specifically in the Irtysh Basin), and northeastern China (notably within the Amur Basin). In contrast, the blunt-snouted lenok primarily resides in southeastern Russia, northeastern Mongolia, northern China, and Korea, although their habitats do overlap in regions such as the Amur Basin.

While the sharp-snouted lenok population remains relatively stable in most areas, certain populations, particularly in China, face threats from overfishing and pollution. These fish can attain substantial sizes, growing up to 70 cm (approximately 28 inches) in length.