Fish
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalisAlso known as Speckled Trout, Brook Char, Squaretail
The Brook Trout is a coldwater char with pale wormlike markings across an olive back, light spots along the sides, and red spots ringed in blue. Its lower fins have a crisp white leading edge followed by black and orange bands.
Coldwater CharSpotted FishHeadwater Predator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic insect larvae, Crustaceans, Small fish
Predators
- River otters
- Belted Kingfishers
- Larger fish
ThreatsStream warming, sedimentation, dams, pollution, overharvest, and competition or hybridization with introduced salmonids
HabitatsCold clear streams, spring-fed ponds, deep lakes, headwaters, and some coastal rivers
Life spanOften three to six years, although large lake and coastal forms can live for a decade or more
Classification
- FamilySalmonidae
- SpeciesSalvelinus fontinalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Follow angling rules and disinfect boots and gear before moving between coldwater streams.
Responsible observation
- Back: Look for pale marbling over an olive background rather than dark spots alone.
- Fins: Confirm a white leading edge followed by a black band on the lower fins.
- Water: Observe from the bank and avoid wading through spawning gravel.
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