Athabasca rainbow trout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athabasca rainbow trout |
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O. mykiss ssp?
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The Athabasca rainbow trout is a special type of rainbow trout. It is a fish that belongs to the Salmonidae family, which includes salmon and other trout. This unique fish lives in the upper parts, or "headwaters," of the Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada.
The Athabasca River is a branch of the larger Mackenzie River system. This system flows north all the way to the Arctic Ocean.
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About the Athabasca Rainbow Trout
The Athabasca rainbow trout is one of the few native rainbow trout populations that lives in a river system flowing into the Arctic Ocean. Other types of rainbow trout, like the coastal rainbow trout or Columbia River redband trout, can also be found in some rivers that are part of the Mackenzie River system.
How Scientists Classify Them
Scientists have studied the Athabasca rainbow trout to understand its exact classification. For example, in 1992, a scientist named Robert J. Behnke thought it might be a form of the Columbia River redband trout. However, in 1994, another scientist, L. M. Carl, suggested it was a different, separate subspecies.
Protecting This Unique Fish
The Athabasca rainbow trout is currently considered a "May be at risk" species in Alberta. This means it could be in danger.
Why They Are At Risk
There are two main reasons why this fish is at risk:
- Habitat Loss: The places where these fish live might be shrinking or getting damaged. This can happen because of human activities or changes in the environment.
- Hybridization: This happens when the Athabasca rainbow trout mates with other types of rainbow trout that have been brought into the area by people. When different types of fish mix, it can change the unique features of the native Athabasca rainbow trout.
Protecting their natural homes and preventing them from mixing with other trout types are important steps to help these special fish survive.
