Family : Salmonidae (Salmonids) , subfamily: Salmoninae
Order : Salmoniformes  (salmons)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Rainbow trout
Fish Name : Oncorhynchus mykiss
Max size : 120 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 5504); max. published weight: 25.4 kg (Ref. 7251); max. reported age: 11 years
Environment : benthopelagic; anadromous ; depth range 0 - 200 m
Climate : subtropical; 10 - 24°C; 67°N - 32°N
Global Importance : fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.38-0.46; tm=2-5; tmax=11; Fec=200)Distribution : Southwest Atlantic: Argentina (Ref. 9086). Eastern Pacific: Kamchatkan Peninsula and have been recorded from the Commander Islands east of Kamchatka and sporadically in the Sea of Okhotsk as far south as the mouth of the Amur River along the mainland. The records outside of Kamchatka probably represent migrating or straying Kamchatkan steelhead (penshinensis) rather than the established native population (Reg. 50080). One of the most widely introduced fishes, may be regarded as global in its present distribution. In the tropics restricted to areas above 1,200 m. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction (Ref. 5723).
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 3-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-4; Anal soft rays: 8-12; Vertebrae: 60-66. Body elongate, somewhat compressed especially in larger fish. No nuptial tubercles but minor changes to head, mouth and color occur especially in spawning males. Coloration varies with habitat, size, and sexual condition. Stream residents and spawners darker, colors more intense. Lake residents lighter, brighter, and more silvery. Caudal fin with 19 rays (Ref. 2196).
Biology : Small juveniles are benthopelagic while larger juveniles are pelagic (Ref. 58302). The natural habitat of the species is fresh water with about 12°C in summer. It is unclear whether its anadromy is a truly genetic adaptation or simply an opportunistic behavior. It seems that any stock of rainbow trout is capable of migrating, or at least adapting to sea water, if the need or opportunity arises. They require moderate to fast flowing, well oxygenated waters for breeding, but they also live in cold lakes (Ref. 6390, 44894). Rainbow trout survive better in lakes than in streams (Ref. 26519). Enters the rivers of Kamchatka from September to October, spawns in spring, not far from the sea, and migrates back to the sea in May-June (Ref. 593). Generally feeds close to the bottom (Ref. 13337). Anadromous fish smolted at ages 2 and 3 years, matured after 1 to 2 years in the ocean, and survived up to 11 years, spawning up to 8 times. Non-anadromous fish survived up to 6 years, spawning up to 3 times (Ref.74369). Adults feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs, minnows, and other small fishes (including other trout); young feed predominantly on zooplankton (Ref. 26523). Utilized fresh, smoked, canned, and frozen; eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988). Rainbow trout is cultured in many countries and is often hatched and stocked into rivers and lakes especially to attract recreational fishers (Ref. 9988)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : potential pest
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Gall, G.A.E. and P.A. Crandell. 1992. (Ref. 4706)

India country information
Common Names : Rainbow trout
Status : introduced
Salinity : freshwater
Uses : no uses