New Zealand Introduced Animals > Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

INTRODUCED; COMMON; RESIDENT

DISTRIBUTION: A native of North America, but like the brown trout was introduced to New Zealand in the early years of European settlement. Widespread throughout the North and South Islands but more common in the South as it is less tolerant of warm water than the brown.

HABITAT: Often found in high country lakes and streams.

BREEDING: Very similar to salmon: spawning takes place in gravel or shingle shallows in cold clear streams. The egg is heavier than water and about 5mm in diameter. It is heavily supplied with yoke meaning the young trout are quite well developed when they hatch.

FOOD: Carnivorous; living on a variety of beetles, small fish e.g. bullies, fresh water crayfish, galaxids and aquatic insects of many kinds.

GENERAL: Where they occur rainbow trout are the dominant fish predator. They are a major threat to native fish. They have unusually acute senses; full colour vision, a very good sense of smell and a well developed lateral line (a row of sensory pits along each side) that function both as a pressure sensor and a prey detection system. A trim, muscular, athletic fish prized by anglers. Males have a hooked bottom jaw, females do not.


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