Rainbow Trout

Jumping rainbow trout in Michigan, Shutterstock, by Paul Winterman

World Water Day

The Rainbow Trout

 

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a freshwater fish native to cold water lakes, rivers, and streams along the Pacific coasts of Asia and North America. Rainbows are often among the most colorful fish in their habitats.

Rainbow trout from Gacka River, Croatia, Shutterstock, by Goran Safarek

Rainbow trout have been transplanted and introduced to so many ecosystems globally that they have become one of the most widespread invasive species in the world.

Rainbow trout about to eat a grasshopper, Shutterstock, by Simon Laprida

Rainbows are opportunistic feeders that primarily eat insects, small fish, and fish eggs, they have also been known to eat algae, carrion, small amphibians, and small mammals.

Female Rainbow Trout Swims in a High Elevation Mountain Lake, Adobe Stock, by Fly Fishing Waters

Rainbow trout that migrate to salt water may become steelhead trout, which live in the ocean and swim up rivers to spawn.

Rainbow Trout, Adobe Stock, by Josh Myers

World Water Day is an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of clean fresh water and the impacts this essential commodity has on human populations and the natural world. On this day we showcase unique freshwater species in their natural habitats.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Nature and the Environment and hope to hear from you again soon!

 

World Water Day

2024

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NatEnvo was formed by BioTriad Environmental, Inc. to provide entertaining and informative media while keeping the wonders of nature in the public eye.