Nature of New York: Nature Journal

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Salmoniformes, Family: Salmonidae, Genus: Salvelinus, Species: Savelinus fontinalis

Brook Trout - http://www.fisheyeguyphotography.com

The beautiful Brook Trout (Savelinus fontinalis), is native to New York and is our official state fish. Also known as the "speckled trout", this species was once so common in NY ponds, lakes, and streams that surveys only noted waters where the trout were absent. Fishing for brook trout is wildly popular throughout NY State, as well as other parts of North America. "Their beauty and fighting ability attracts the skilled, as well as the novice, angler" (http://www.dec.ny.gov).

Trout fish are extremely popular and many individuals and programs across the state continuously care for their existence and preservation. DEC stocks millions of trout into NY waters each year. Trout Unlimited, a private, non-profit organization, also works to find ways to improve and protect trout habitat through education and other hands-on efforts (http://www.tu.org/). There are 4 species of trout found in NY waters: 1) Brook Trout, 2) Lake trout, 3) Brown trout, 4) Rainbow trout. Fly fishers and other anglers flock to the gorgeous areas where brook trout thrive with hopes of catching this beautiful fish.

Description:

Brook trout have small growth rates and size. 6-10 in. long in streams, 10-12 in. long in ponds
Although rare, can reach up to 8 lbs., most brook trout weigh around 2 lbs.
Their lifespan is fairly short, reaching a maximum of 5 years.
Considered the most beautiful of the trout species, their coloring sets them apart. They have a square tail and an olive green background with lighter wavy markings along their backs. Tan or red spots run along their sides. They have a bright, white line along the front edge of their lower fins.
Male coloring becomes quite bright during spawning season. Their flanks and belly become orange-red with a black stripe along each side. (http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu)

Habitat & Range:

Brook trout live in clean, cold waters such as small brooks, lakes, ponds, and streams. Their preferred water temperature ranges from 52-64 degrees.
They are native to New York and are widely found throughout eastern North America.
Often the first species to disappear in polluted waters.
Brook trout spend most of their lives in freshwater then return upstream to spawn.
Adult brook trout feed on snails, salamanders, frogs, and other small mammals and fish.
Young brook trout eat smaller items such as insects, plankton, and crustaceans. (http://www.dec.ny.gov)

Range of brook trout - shaded area. http://www.huntfishguide.com

Breeding:

Brook trout spawn during the fall season, from late September to November.
Solitary females use their tails to dig a depression(called a redd) in clean gravel or cobble sites, and in groundwater seepage areas in ponds.
A mature, female trout usually has about 1,000-3,000 eggs.
Male trout fish will dart into the nest to fertilize the eggs deposited by the female.
After the nest has been made, the eggs are deposited, fertilized, and covered under a layer of gravel. Both parents then leave the nest and move on. The young trout are then on their own.
The eggs hatch within 95 to 100 days. Once the eggs hatch, the young trout (called alevins), stay in the gravel for about one week. They then leave the nesting area in search of food. (http://www.dec.ny.gov)

Predators & Conservation:

Predators include other salmonids - especially smallmouth bass. They also include humans, larger predatory fish, birds, minks, otters, raccoons, and pollution.
Trout populations are used as a measure of healthy land, water, and environment.
Once abundant in the remote areas of the Adirondacks and smaller streams of Long Island, brook trout populations have decreased due to habitat deconstruction and the introduction other fish within their waters.
Pollution is a significant threat to trout populations. They can not survive in waters polluted by acid rain, toxic chemicals, runoff, and other effects of urban and commercial development.
Management systems and regulations have been put in place to ensure the longevity of this species. Trout fish are raised and then stocked in areas where their populations have decreased or are non-existent.
DEC provides NY waters with millions of trout fish each year so that the species can continue to thrive and coexist among humans and other species.
Ongoing educational and research efforts are being made to ensure that this species remains healthy and a part of our waters.