Brook Trout
Scientific name
Salvelinus fontinalis
Characteristics
Brook Trout are a slender and elongated fish that generally resemble a Brown Trout in form. Brook Trout can be differentiated by their large mouth which extends beyond the level of the eye. They have an olive-green background body colour with pale, worm-like lines and spots. The pelvic, pectoral and anal fins are dark grey with a prominent white anterior margin.
Size
The Brook Trout is much smaller than other trout species, usually weighing in at approximately 2 kg but has been recorded to 4 kg in Australia.
Distribution
Brook Trout were introduced from North America in the early 1900s. Populations are maintained by stocking of hatchery-reared fish. Brook Trout live in cool waters of streams and lakes.
Confusing species
Similar to other trout and salmon species.
