Brook Trout

---

Despite their name, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are actually a species of char native to the cold, clear streams and lakes of the eastern United States. Brook trout have olive green and yellow vermiculated backs and whitish or orange-red bellies and are flecked by solid yellow spots and bright red spots with blue halos along their sides. They have distinctive white and black leading edges on their pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. Males develop vibrant spawning colors during this time, with their side markings transitioning to golden brown, scarlet red, blue, green, and fluorescent orange to attract females. Spawning for this species occurs between September and October, and they typically reach maturity around two years of age, though some may spawn as early as one year. They were introduced to western North America in the mid-19th century and their presence in non-native ecosystems can pose a threat to native trout populations through competition and hybridization. Brook Trout are considered an important indicator species of stream health, as they are highly sensitive to water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and pollution.

Fun Fact: These fish are said to have a sweet taste, and some populations of brook trout deviate from their freshwater lifestyle for an anadromous one, living in the ocean and only return to saltwater to spawn.