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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > FISH
S. trutta morpha trutta
These trout are commonly known as brown trout and sea trout although they are actually the same species. The difference is that the sea trout is anadromous, or has the innate ability to move in and out of fresh water as part of its spawning cycle. This unique adaptation exists in approximately two percent of the world’s fish populations and is most widely associated in North America with chinook and coho salmon.
Their bodies are mostly silver in color with black or brown spots. Their coloring will change as they migrate between fresh and salt water environments.
The sea trout is a predatory animal, but its diet may change depending on whether it is in salt or fresh water. At sea, the trout primarily hunts other fish, crab and shrimp. If it has transitioned to fresh water, then its diet becomes more diverse and may include amphibians, insects, mice and small birds.
Range and Habitat
The sea trout has a very wide range, including throughout the Atlantic Ocean; Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas; and the southern and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean. In Oregon, they have been reported in the Columbia River and its tributaries.
Conservation Status
Due to the destruction or blockage of its native streams, the sea trout has been extirpated from much of its former range. The damming of rivers and streams for hydrological power production has greatly contributed to this in both Europe and North America. With the introduction of fish ladders and other assistive devices and designs, some of the fish's migration patterns are slowly returning.
S. trutta morpha trutta
These trout are commonly known as brown trout and sea trout although they are actually the same species. The difference is that the sea trout is anadromous, or has the innate ability to move in and out of fresh water as part of its spawning cycle. This unique adaptation exists in approximately two percent of the world’s fish populations and is most widely associated in North America with chinook and coho salmon.
Their bodies are mostly silver in color with black or brown spots. Their coloring will change as they migrate between fresh and salt water environments.
The sea trout is a predatory animal, but its diet may change depending on whether it is in salt or fresh water. At sea, the trout primarily hunts other fish, crab and shrimp. If it has transitioned to fresh water, then its diet becomes more diverse and may include amphibians, insects, mice and small birds.
Range and Habitat
The sea trout has a very wide range, including throughout the Atlantic Ocean; Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas; and the southern and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean. In Oregon, they have been reported in the Columbia River and its tributaries.
Conservation Status
Due to the destruction or blockage of its native streams, the sea trout has been extirpated from much of its former range. The damming of rivers and streams for hydrological power production has greatly contributed to this in both Europe and North America. With the introduction of fish ladders and other assistive devices and designs, some of the fish's migration patterns are slowly returning.
