The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Trouts

Rainbow Trout, Onchorhynchus mykiss

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Slightly compressed body
ï¿½	Terminal mouth, jaw angle behind the eye  
ï¿½	Black spots, rosy side with pink, red, or purple band or blush, brassy back, with green and purple iridescence
ï¿½	Small adipose fin
ï¿½	Moderate-sized dorsal fin centered on the body
ï¿½	Broad, forked tail fin 
ï¿½	Large breeding males develop a kype (extended lower jaw) used for fighting

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Golden trout (O. aguabonita) 
ï¿½	Cutthroat trout (O. clarki)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 150-800 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes 

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Stocked by the VDGIF throughout Virginia  
ï¿½	Naturalized populations exist in many streams 

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Young eat crustaceans and insects  
ï¿½	Adults eat crustaceans, insects, and fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Naturalized rainbow trout in Virginia mature in 1 year  
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in February to May at 10-15OC 
ï¿½	Migrate upstream to spawn  
ï¿½	Excavate a nest called a redd in shallow, gravel runs  
ï¿½	Fecundity is 200-9,000 eggs per female   

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Rainbow trout are one of the top five gamefish 
ï¿½	Probably the most frequently stocked trout 
ï¿½	Raised commercially for food

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Brook Trout

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

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