5/27/2023 0 Comments Brook trout![]() The type of area required for brook trout spawning is one that offers loose, clean gravel in shallow riffles or shoreline area with an excellent supply of upwelling, oxygen-rich water (LaConte, 1997). ( Blanchfield, et al., 2003)īrook trout spawn in late summer or autumn depending on the latitude and temperature (Scott and Crossman, 1985). Usually the largest males are the most successful breeders. Usually only a single male is able to fertilize the eggs that a female lays in a redd, but occasionally more than one male is able to do so. ( Scott and Crossman, 1985 Hubbs and Lagler, 1949) The fins of the brook trout are also distinct the dorsal fin has heavy black wavy lines, the caudal fin has black lines, the anal, pelvic and pectoral fins have white edges followed by black and then reddish coloration (Scott and Crossman, 1985). In addition to the pale spots on the side there are smaller more discrete red spots with bluish halos (Scott and Crossman 1985). On the back and top of the head there are wormy cream colored wavy lines known as vermiculations which break up into spots on the side (Scott and Crossman, 1985). The back of the brook trout is dark olive-green to dark brown, sometimes almost black, the sides are lighter and become silvery white ventrally (Scott and Crossman, 1985). The coloration of the brook trout is very distinct and can be spectacular. The brook trout also has a large terminal mouth with breeding males developing a hook or kype on the front of the lower jaw (Scott and Crossman, 1985). Brook trout have 10-14 principle dorsal rays, 9-13 principle anal rays, 8-10 pelvic rays, and 11-14 pectoral rays (Scott and Crossman, 1985). Another physical characteristic of the brook trout is an adipose fin and a caudal fin that is slightly forked (Hubbs and Lagler, 1949). The brook trout's body is elongate with an average length of 38.1-50.8 cm, is only slightly laterally compressed the body has its greatest depth at or in front of the origin of the dorsal fin (Scott and Crossman, 1985). ( "Brook Trout", 1987 Scott and Crossman, 1985 LaConte, 1997) Brook trout that reside in marine environments migrate there from freshwater tributaries and tend to stay close to river mouths. Stream dwelling brook trout require three habitat components, which include resting areas in pools, feeding sites near riffles or swiftly flowing water, and escape cover which normally is found along undercut banks, under woody debris, trees or large rock ledges ("Brook Trout," 1987). ![]() Brook trout thrive in these environments with temperatures that remain below 18.8 C and where there is little to no siltation (LaConte, 1997). The freshwater populations occur in clear, cool, well-oxygenated streams and lakes (Scott and Crossman, 1985). Their living requirements in these environments are very specific. ![]() ( Willlers, 1991 Scott and Crossman, 1985 Willlers, 1991)īrook trout are found in three types of aquatic environments: rivers, lakes, and marine areas. The fish has been introduced, very successfully in some areas, into many parts of the world including western North America, South America, New Zealand, Asia, and many parts of Europe (Scott and Crossman, 1973). From the east coast their native range extends westward to eastern Manitoba and the Great Lakes (Willers, 1991). ![]() Brook trout are found as far south as Georgia in the Appalachian mountain range and extend north all the way to Hudson Bay. ![]()
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