Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean trout (Salmo macrostigma) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Fresh water of the Mediterranean region, including North Africa, in cool, clear mountain streams and rivers with gravel bottoms; forms a fragmented, taxonomically uncertain complex.
Description
The Mediterranean trout is a trout of the family Salmonidae reaching about 60 cm. Like the brown trout it has a streamlined body with an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins and is covered with rounded dark spots; characteristically many individuals retain a row of large, dark blotches (parr marks) along the flank even as adults. The species lives in cool, clear mountain streams and rivers with gravel bottoms around the Mediterranean, including North Africa, in often small and isolated populations. It hunts insect larvae, flying insects from the surface and small crustaceans, and spawns in the colder months on gravel. The name covers a taxonomically difficult, fragmented trout complex; its status is regarded as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean trout?
The Mediterranean trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Trout relative with an adipose fin, round dark spots and often a row of large, dark blotches (parr marks) along the flank into the adult stage.
Where does the Mediterranean trout live?
The Mediterranean trout lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of the Mediterranean region, including North Africa, in cool, clear mountain streams and rivers with gravel bottoms; forms a fragmented, taxonomically uncertain complex.
How big does the Mediterranean trout get?
The Mediterranean trout grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Mediterranean trout dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean trout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean trout edible?
Yes, the Mediterranean trout is commonly eaten.
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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 Mediterranean trout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean trout is one of 12,519 species in the app.