Back to species list
Photo/video material for this species is still being prepared.
Rainbow trout
Regenbogenforelle
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
IntroducedFreshwater
Behavior
Native to North America, a cold-water fish with an optimal temperature of 9-18°C. Juveniles feed on zooplankton and aquatic insects; adults prey on crustaceans and small fish.
Features
Its most distinctive feature is a rainbow-like pink stripe along its flank. Grows up to 120 cm.
Distribution
Native to the North American west coast. Since its introduction in the 19th century it has become the most widely farmed fish in the world. In Germany it is an important aquaculture and angling species.