Rainbow trout - Oncorhynchus mykiss

(Walbaum, 1792) [Salmonidae]

FAO official common names: Fr - Truite arc-en-ciel; Es - Trucha arco iris

Taxonomic and biological features:

Distinguishing characters
Body laterally compressed with adipose fin proximate to caudal peduncle. Scales silvery to yellow-green on top of back with red-pink band along lateral line. Many irregular spots on head, body, dorsal fin and tail. Dorsal rays soft. Lining of mouth cavity white. Basibranchial teeth absent. Coastal form has 120–140 scales above lateral line; inland form has 140–170. Nearly square tail with slight fork. External colour differs with strain and environment; yellow (golden) and blue strains are commercially available. Fillets may be white or red.