Rainbow trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss



 

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Distribution: 
Northern U.S.

Origin: 
Western U.S.

Characteristics: 
Speckled with small black spots on sides, back, and tail fin which is slightly forked. Sides also have a broad pinkish or red stripe.

Impacts: 
Hybridize with native species, decreasing genetic diversity, compete with native species

Management: 
Nothing is being done to control them, they are stocked as a sport fish

Stocking of hatchery Rainbow trout in rivers has led to introduction of whirling disease into open waters in approximately 20 states including, most recently, the Madison River and its tributaries in Montana. In the Madison River, the disease has reduced the rainbow trout population by 90%. Rainbow trout have the potential to consume native fishes and compete with native salmonids. 

For More Information on Rainbow trout:
University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute