Date: Sep 25, 2023, 8:00 AM
Happy Monday everyone! Today's fish of the day is the rainbow trout!
The rainbow trout, known by scientific name Oncorhynchus mykiss is native to cold-water rivers along the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. Many of us know them due to their prevalence in the Columbia River, and the redband trout (a subspecies of rainbow trout). Although there are also some relevant species that have been introduced to the Great Lakes, Southern Europe, Australia, and Southern America, where they are invasive.
Some rainbow trout, called steelhead trout, and another species called the coastal rainbow trout, live in ocean waters, although most of them return to freshwater streams to breed. Males during the mating season are the most vibrant colors, and often juveniles are found in shades of grey and black that fades as they age. The longest living rainbow trout was found to live 11 years, but they mature sexually in their first or second year.
Rainbow trout are scavengers, willing to eat anything they can catch. Mostly being insects and varying algae. Although, if they can manage they'll eat shrimp and other small invertebrates. In the ocean, adult steelhead are found to eat spid and crustaceans.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!