Identification.
Adipose fin present. Caudal penduncle deep and flat sided, tail fin slightly forked. Scales very small.

Rainbow trout coloration distinctive, usually a pinkish rainbow stripe along sides, dense black spots on back and upper sides, dorsal, adipose and caudal fins.

Habitat.
A North American fish widely introduced to Europe. The Rainbow Trout mostly occurs in artificial still waters, reservoirs, lakes and in some rivers. Lives in similar places to brown trout but can tolerate higher temperature and less clean water.

Food.
Insects (both aquatic and aerial), crustaceans and fish, planktonic crustaceans are important food in still waters.

Breeding.
Rainbow Trout are mostly raised in hatcheries and then released. A few breeding populations are known. In these hatcheries spawning takes place in early winter in reeds dug by the female.

Statistics.
They are plentiful in many commercial fisheries throughout the UK. The current UK Rainbow Trout record is 24lb 1oz.