Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Identification: Upper jaw extends to back margin of eye. In streams, colouration is a light brown, becoming silvery on the sides. Back and sides covered in dark spots, some reddish. Spots often surrounded by a light halo. Posteriorly, fewer spots present below the lateral line. Base of dorsal fin is equal to, or longer than, anal fin base. Dorsal and adipose fins have dark spotting. Adult length usually about 16 inches.
Life History: Introduced species, indigenous to Europe and western Asia. Spawn in late autumn to early winter, usually between October and early November. Spawning beds are usually shallow, gravelly headwaters. Fecundity varies with size of the female, 5 and 6 year olds average 2020 eggs per female. Hybridize easily with brook trout.
Feeding: Carnivorous, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae, crustaceans, salamanders, frogs,rodents, and fishes.
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