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Trout

trout

Trout
Photo by Evan M. Raskin · CC BY

About

Trout are a group of coldwater fish related to salmon. In this app the group includes the Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.

How to tell it apart

Look for the small extra fin near the tail, a mark that separates trout from most other freshwater fish. Tell members apart by their colour pattern, since this varies with habitat and time of year rather than by species alone.

Appearance

Trout have no spines in their fins, and all have a small extra fin near the tail. Their colour and pattern change a lot: fish fresh from the sea look silvery, while fish in streams or lakes show bold markings, and colours turn much brighter before breeding.

Habitat

Trout live in cool, clear streams, wetlands, and lakes, usually between 10-16°C. They are found naturally across North America, northern Asia, and Europe, and have been introduced to many other regions, including Australia and New Zealand.

Behaviour

Trout that live near the sea may swim upriver to spawn, while others stay in fresh water all their lives.

Diet

Trout eat other fish and soft-bodied water animals such as flies, mayflies, and snails. Larger trout, over about 30 cm, feed mostly on smaller fish, sometimes up to a third of their own length.

Breeding

Before breeding, trout develop much brighter and bolder colours than usual.

Is it dangerous?

harmless to humans

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