Dolly Varden (Freshwater Fish Pictorial Book, Series 1, revised release by Yujin)

This figure is the Japanese Dolly Varden (also known as Miyabeiwana or Miyabe Char in Japan), Salvelinus malma miyabei, a Secret Figure from the first series revised release (so, the third release of series 1 for those keeping track). I believe it is numbered #17 in the set, although it is based on model #2. This particular subspecies is a char found in Japan, although Dolly Varden as a species is found in Arctic and Pacific drainages in Russia and North America (there is even a relict population in my home province!) As with many Japanese fish models (though not all) it is widely fished for. Maximum TL of the Dolly Varden is 120cm according to Fishbase, but most references say 60cm or smaller. The figure, like the Char, is about 1:10 scale. There are no other Dolly Varden figures that I am aware of.

Being a repainted figure, I don’t need to go into much detail on the model itself—it is a remade White-spotted Char, although there are some differences in the bend of the figure. This is most likely a manufacturing issue, although it may also have been purposeful to differentiate the fish. Of course, the paint job is what really distinguishes the two models. In short, the Dolly Varden is an overall green, with light vermiculations on the dorsal surface, a scattering of red and gold spots along the sides, and a bright orange belly (the char is mostly brown, darker on the dorsal and fading to cream on the belly). The Dolly Varden fins are also lighter, with only subtle orange (compared to the dark orange tail of the Char). I would also point out that the leading edge of the dorsal and pectoral fins is white, as is characteristic of every char.

As far as the Yujin secret figures go, this one seems to so far remain more reasonable in price than many, but prices do continue to rise. If you do see an opportunity to obtain one, and have any interest in the freshwater fishies, I highly recommend it.

Like most salmonids, Dolly Varden are denizens of cool to cold water, ranging from deeper creeks to river and lakes. They are usually anadromous but landlocked populations also exist. This includes the population in my home province, as well as the Japanese S. m. miyabei. They are predatory fish, eating invertebrates and fish.

The IUCN status of the species is not evaluated, but Dolly Varden are of special concern in some parts of Canada (in Alberta, they can only be fished for in a stocked lake). Like other native salmonids, they were persecuted for some time as competing with…local fish (that evolved around them?) and extermination campaigns were waged; fortunately those don’t exist anymore but the species could still face challenges. I’ve seen live ones and they are very cool fish!

Starting on the 14th of January, 2024, I migrated my first Yujin Freshwater Fish Pictorial walkaround post from the Animal Toy Forum to this blog, with the intention of moving all species’/figures’ walkarounds here. The initial post contained a lengthy explanation of the series (both the original and updated) that I don’t think should be repeated each time! For those details, the post can be seen at the first post. Then we can just get to the fish. Most of the details and writing will come from the original post, although I may supplement/add where appropriate.

There was a bit of discussion on this figure on the original blog:

• Member Advocat: “It’s a nice figure but I’d prefer the model without the stand.  “
• Member Stargatedalek “All of the Yujin fish are removable from their bases and I believe all of them also stand up without them, at least the few I have all do.”
• Member Advocat: “Now I wish to find somewhere to find Yujin. They are sold on eBay UK I think but they go for crazy money. £40-£100 for only a couple of figures.”