Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss

Residency: Non-native in Arizona; introduced across the globe where there is suitable habitat.

Habitat: Rainbow trout naturally occur in fresh well-oxygenated water that does not typically reach a temperature higher than 12 degrees Celsius in summer.

Diet: Small fish, insects, fish eggs, crustaceans, and mollusks. Young rainbow trout feed on zooplankton.

Breeding: Cold fast-moving water is required for breeding. The female digs a pit while a male courts her; when the pit is completed the female releases 700 to 4,000 eggs and the male releases its sperm. Another male may also release its sperm into the nest. The female will then move upstream to the edge of the pit and start digging a new one, covering the old, and starting the process over. This can be repeated for several days.

Status: Rainbow trout can become a pest for native species in areas where they are introduced.

Photo: To be added.

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