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Hill trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) — Cyprinidae

Hill trout

Schizothorax plagiostomus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Hill trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 52 cm.

Length
52 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The hill trout is a large cyprinid from cold, fast-flowing mountain rivers of the Himalayas and Central Asia. The species grows to about 52 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a transverse, horny lower lip and a pair of barbels, adapted to scraping aufwuchs from stones in rapids. It feeds on algae, invertebrates and detritus. It is an important and valued food fish in the mountain region. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hill trout?

The Hill trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Hill trout live?

The Hill trout lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Hill trout get?

The Hill trout grows to a maximum of about 52 cm.

Is the Hill trout dangerous to humans?

No, the Hill trout is harmless to humans.

Is the Hill trout edible?

Yes, the Hill trout is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sneeuwforel verified
English name
Hill trout verified
Scientific name
Schizothorax plagiostomus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Snow trout verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
52.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Netten en hengelen sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Schizothorax

More from the family Cyprinidae

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