Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Originally in Europe, North Africa and West Asia, in cool rivers, lakes and coastal waters; introduced worldwide.
Description
The brown trout is a salmonid of the family Salmonidae that can reach about 140 cm as a sea trout but is usually much smaller. The streamlined body bears an adipose fin and is scattered with black and often red, halo-ringed spots; the colour ranges from brown-gold to silvery in sea-run fish. The species is native to cool rivers, lakes and coastal waters of Europe, North Africa and western Asia and has been stocked worldwide for angling. It is a predator hunting insects, crustaceans and small fish. In autumn it moves to gravelly headwaters to spawn, where the female digs a pit and lays the eggs in the gravel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown trout?
The Brown trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Salmonid with an adipose fin and black spots often ringed with red; occurs as a resident stream form and as the sea-migrating sea trout.
Where does the Brown trout live?
The Brown trout lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Originally in Europe, North Africa and West Asia, in cool rivers, lakes and coastal waters; introduced worldwide.
How big does the Brown trout get?
The Brown trout grows to a maximum of about 140 cm. On average the species is around 72 cm.
Is the Brown trout dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown trout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown trout edible?
Yes, the Brown trout is a highly prized food fish.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brown trout and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Salmo
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.