Freshwater Brown Trout Fish

The Brown Trout is a typical fish of the salmon family inhabiting mountain streams, rivers and lakes, characterized by its vivid and variable coloring. Immature fish have large, conspicuous grey-blue spots on their sides, while the maturer specimens have small, red flecks, often edged with light shades. The belly is yellow-white to yellow. In autumn and winter it migrates upstream to spawn. The fertilized eggs are deposited by the female into a bowl-shaped depression on the river bed.

The size of this trout is closely related to its habitat; in the fast-flowing waters of mountain streams they can reach a length of about 20 cm and weigh about 100 g; however, in lowland rivers rich in food they grow to a length of 60 cm and a weight of about 2 kg. It lives predominantly on water insects and their larvae, as well as other small water animals, whilst the larger specimens often hunt for other fish, including members of their own species.

The brown trout lives in mountain and sub- mountain waters all over Europe, but is differentiated according to the river of its origin. North and Baltic Sea river types arc classified as a different subspecies to those originating in the rivers flowing into the Black Sea. However, differences can only be detected after a close anatomical analysis and are not noticeable externally. The brown trout has been introduced to many parts of the world, North America, South America, New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere, on account of its sporting qualities. Maximum size and weight: 60 cm, 2 kg. Identifying characteristics: Back dotted with numerous dark spots; spots on the sides reddish, with lighter edges. Adipose fin light with dark edging and sometimes red at end.