Species · GBIF taxon 5204019
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykissAlso known as Steelhead, Redband Trout, Coastal Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout display a prominent pinkish-red lateral stripe flanked by dense black spots across their olive-green backs and silver flanks. Native to cold Pacific watersheds, these energetic fish thrive in oxygen-rich rivers, lakes, and streams where they feed on drift insects and small organisms. Coastal populations known as steelheads spend several years maturing in the open ocean before migrating upstream to spawn in gravelly riverbeds.
ColdwaterAnadromousGame Fish
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mayflies
- Caddisflies
- Small Fish
Predators
- Osprey
- River Otter
- Grizzly Bear
ThreatsHabitat destruction, river damming, warming water temperatures, invasive competitors
HabitatsCold streams, rivers, clear lakes, coastal marine waters
Life span4–11 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSalmoniformes
- FamilySalmonidae
- GenusOncorhynchus
- SpeciesOncorhynchus mykiss
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Polarized Lenses: Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish holding in river currents and deep pools.
- Observe Quietly: Approach stream banks cautiously as trout are easily spooked by shadows and vibrations.
- Keep Wet: Keep fish submerged in water when handling to protect their protective slime coat.
Competitor (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Sarah MacGregor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Genus Relative (c) Cole Wolf, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cole Wolf · cc-by
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