Brook Trout
Brook trout, scientifically known as Salvelinus fontinalis, are unique freshwater fish characterized by their streamlined, slim body and smooth cycloid scales. Originating from cool, clear rivers, streams, and lakes, these fish have an innate preference for water temperatures ranging from 34-72°F. They possess a terminal mouth position, which makes them opportunistic feeders, consuming a varied diet of aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, frogs, and smaller fish. The brook trout is recognized for its unique reproductive behavior where they create ‘redds’ or nests for spawning in the fall season. These trout typically measure 6-12 inches in length, but can reach up to 25 inches. Although they have a general lifespan of up to 15 years, some have been known to live up to 24 years. Despite their conservation status being listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the population of brook trout has been noted to be declining in some areas. Brook trout inhabit numerous U.S states, a total of 31, including Maine, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, and others. They have also been successfully introduced to Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.
| Brook Trout | Salvelinus fontinalis |
|---|---|
| Species | Salvelinus fontinalis |
| Body Shape | Streamlined, slim body |
| Scales | Cycloid (smooth to the touch) |
| Fins | Two dorsal fins, one adipose fin, one anal fin, one caudal fin, two pelvic fins, two pectoral fins |
| Mouth Position | Terminal (at the tip of the head) |
| Habitat | Cool, clear rivers, streams, and lakes; prefers water temperatures of 34-72°F (1-22°C) |
| Feeding Behavior | Opportunistic feeder, consumes food throughout the day |
| Diet | Aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, frogs, and smaller fish (as adults) |
| Reproduction | Broadcast spawner, builds nests called ‘redds’, spawns in the fall |
| Size | Typically 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), can reach up to 25 inches (63 cm) |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years commonly, can live up to 24 years |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN, but populations declining in some areas |
| States Found In | Total 31: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and introduced to Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. |
