Fish · GBIF taxon 5204019
Oncorhynchus mykiss
oncorhynchus mykissAlso known as Steelhead, Coast Rainbow Trout, Redband Trout, Steelhead Trout
Rainbow trout are renowned for their vibrant pink-red lateral stripe and delicate dark speckling across silvery scales. While freshwater residents spend their whole lives in cold, oxygen-rich rivers and lakes, sea-run populations known as steelhead migrate to the open ocean before returning upstream to spawn. Their powerful bodies allow them to leap over modest waterfalls and fight surging currents during annual river runs.
FreshwaterAnadromousColdwater
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Insects
- Small Fish
- Freshwater Crustaceans
Predators
- Osprey
- River Otter
- Grizzly Bear
ThreatsDams blocking migration pathways, habitat loss, rising water temperatures, and genetic dilution from hatchery stock
HabitatsCold mountain streams, clear rivers, deep lakes, and northern Pacific coastal waters
Life span4 to 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.
- What to notice
- Look for a bright pink lateral band, fine dark spots over silver sides, and clean, cool freshwater stream habitat.
- Support conservation
- Avoid walking through gravelly stream beds where eggs are buried, and observe wild runs from stream banks.
Responsible observation
- Polarized Optics: Wear polarized sunglasses to cut through surface glare and spot fish resting near undercut banks.
- Observing Spawning: Look for gravelly river riffles during spring where adults excavate shallow nests called redds.
- Angling Care: Use barbless hooks and handle fish gently in water to protect wild native populations.
Predator no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Jackson · cc0
Predator (c) Lawrence Hylton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lawrence Hylton · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Sarah MacGregor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Cole Wolf, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cole Wolf · cc-by
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