Redband trout facts for kids
Redband trout are a special group of three types of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). They live in three different areas in the western United States. These areas are near the Pacific Ocean or in basins where rivers don't flow out to the sea. The three types are the Columbia River redband trout (O. m. gairdneri), the McCloud River redband trout (O. m. stonei), and the Great Basin redband trout (O. m. newberrii).
Quick facts for kids Redband trout |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
O. m. gairdneri
O. m. newberrii O. m. stonei |
| Trinomial name | |
| Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei |
|
The Columbia River redband trout lives in the Columbia River and its smaller streams. You can find them in states like Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Some of these trout, called redband steelhead, travel from rivers to the ocean and back.
The McCloud River redband trout lives in small streams that flow into the McCloud River. These rivers are part of California's Sacramento River system.
The Great Basin redband trout lives in seven different river areas. These are in southeastern Oregon, parts of California, and Nevada. These areas are on the edge of the Great Basin. People sometimes confuse Redband trout with cutthroat trout. Redband trout are popular game fish for fishing.
Protecting Redband Trout
Redband trout populations have been shrinking in many places. This is because their homes have been changed or destroyed. Also, new types of fish, including some raised in hatcheries, have been introduced. Dry seasons can also make it hard for them.
However, in 2000, the Great Basin redband trout was not considered endangered. The United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service decided it was not at risk.
What Do Redband Trout Look Like?
Redband trout look a lot like the coastal rainbow trout. But they have some special features. Their spots are bigger and more rounded. They also keep their "parr marks" (dark vertical stripes) even when they are grown up.
They have more orange-red color along their sides. Their anal, dorsal, and pectoral fins have very clear white tips. Redband trout can grow to be more than 10 inches (25 cm) long. They become adults within three years.
Redband trout like clean, cool, and fairly small streams. These streams usually have a gentle slope. They can handle warmer water (up to 75–80 °F or 24–27 °C) better than other trout. Like other trout, they eat insects, crustaceans, and smaller forage fish. What they eat depends on how big they are.
