Brook Trout

Also known as: speckled trout.

Names in dialect: salmerin, salmarin.

Brook trout have large heads and mouths similar to brown trout; on the brown to violet coloration of the flanks there are a large number of dots, some yellow and some blue to violet, the latter with white haloes. The back, the first dorsal fin and caudal fin feature a marbled pattern called vermiculations similar to that of marble trout, which is less evident in specimens living in lakes. The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are a yellowish orange, with two characteristic lines on the leading edges: the first white and the second black. When the fish are spawning, their colours become brighter, especially in the males: the belly turns red to orange. They can reach a body length of 40 cm, but in the mountain streams they do not exceed 20-22 cm.
Originating from North America, brook trout live in the cold, clear, oxygenated waters of streams, rivers and lakes including those at high altitudes. They are carnivores and feed on macrozoobenthos and winged insects. The adults also eat fish.
The males reach sexual maturity in their 2nd or 3rd year and the females at 3 to 4 years. Spawning takes place in autumn, between October and December. The eggs are laid on gravel riverbeds in shallow, flowing water. Each female lays a few hundred eggs.
This species is appreciated by sports fishermen for its colouring and excellent flesh. It is bred commercially and is sometimes introduced into private fishing lakes. As it is a native species, introduction into public waters is to be avoided.