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). 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).