Fin's Fish Guide
The Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 86 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in cold, clear streams, rivers and mountain lakes with plenty of oxygen.
Description
The brook trout is a char of the family Salmonidae that can reach about 86 cm but in streams usually stays much smaller. The body is beautifully marked: the brown-green back and dorsal fin carry a pale marbled pattern, the flanks are dotted with light and red spots ringed in blue, and the pelvic fins have white leading edges with a black stripe. The species is native to cold, clear streams, rivers and mountain lakes of eastern North America and needs high oxygen. As a hunter it eats insects, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. It has been stocked worldwide for sport fishing, including in Europe, where it locally displaces native species. It is a classic, valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brook trout?
The Brook trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Trout relative with a marbled pattern on the back and dorsal fin, red spots with small blue rings on the flank and white and black leading edges on the pelvic fins.
Where does the Brook trout live?
The Brook trout lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in cold, clear streams, rivers and mountain lakes with plenty of oxygen.
How big does the Brook trout get?
The Brook trout grows to a maximum of about 86 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.
Is the Brook trout dangerous to humans?
No, the Brook trout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brook trout edible?
Yes, the Brook trout is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Salvelinus
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Brook trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brook trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.