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Brook Trout

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Quick Facts

Scientific name Salvelinus fontinalis

Other names Brook Char, Char

Size Up to 85 cm (33.4 in)

Weight Up to 4.4 kg (9.7 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater steams & creeks in fast moving waters over gravel & rocky areas

Depth Range 1 - 9 m (30 ft)

Interesting Info

Brook trout are a species of freshwater fish that are native to eastern North America and have been introduced to certain parts of Australia including southern New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
They are also known as speckled trout, brookies, and squaretails.
Brook trout are typically found in clear, cool streams and lakes with high levels of dissolved oxygen.
They have distinctive markings, with a dark green or brown back and sides, a mottled pattern of red, yellow, and green spots, and a white belly.
Brook trout are a predatory species and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Estimates of lifespan are 4 to 6 years, although some individuals may live up to 10 years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Brook trout, are a popular game fish and have been introduced to many parts of the world outside their native range. Brook trout are highly valued by anglers for their beauty, fighting ability, and delicious taste, and many people fish for them recreationally.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Salmoniformes

Family: Salmonidae

Genus: Salvelinus

Species: Salvelinus fontinalis

Conservation Status

Overall, brook trout are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore brook trout populations, particularly in their native range, to ensure their long-term survival.