Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Sea Life Introduced IUCN: Least Concern

About

An introduced species the Brown Trout is still actively stocked for angling purposes, despite the fact that it severely impacts native aquatic species. Some fish find their way to the sea, mainly inhabiting estuarine and shallow coastal waters. Colour variable, and influenced by age, habitat and diet. In a marine environment they change colour to much more silvery overall and have a few indistinct spots. Breeding male has enlarged jaws with tip of lower jaw forming a hook

Moderately deep, torpedo-shaped body with a large terminal mouth extending slightly obliquely to below the eyes. Short-based dorsal fin high on back originating in front of ventral fins; fleshy adipose fin behind dorsal. Colour variable, usually brown or olive with dark spots on the sides, dorsal fin and gill covers. Tail with few if any spots. Body paler below mid-line, and most spots surrounded by a pale halo and often reddish.

Size

Commonly 30 to 40cm although can grow to around 13kg and around 90cm

Habitat

Cool freshwater streams and lakes. Can also move out into estuaries and shallow coastal waters

Distribution

South-eastern Australia From NSW to Tasmania

Local Sightings

5 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © John Martyn

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.