Salmo trutta (Brown Trout)
The brown trout (Salmo trutta) belongs to the family Salmonidae, which includes salmon, char, and grayling. As part of the Salmo genus, they are closely related to the Atlantic salmon. This species, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, is known for its olive-brown, spotted appearance and diverse, adaptable habitat.
Key Details About the Brown Trout Family (Salmonidae):
Scientific Classification: Salmo trutta (Species), Salmo (Genus), Salmonidae (Family), Salmoniformes (Order).
Distinctive Features: Salmonids are characterized by a small fleshy adipose fin located on their back, just in front of the tail fin.
Family Members: The Salmonidae family is often referred to as "salmonids," encompassing various salmon, trout, and char species.
Related Species: Brown trout are in the same family but a different genus than Pacific trout/salmon (e.g., Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss), having separated around 15–20 million years ago.
Variability: Despite being one species, Salmo trutta includes different forms, such as resident brown trout (freshwater) and sea trout (anadromous/migratory), which can differ in appearance but are genetically the same.