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Species Guide

Rainbow Trout

Trucha Arcoiris
  • Spanish Name: Trucha Arcoíris
  • English Name: Rainbow Trout
  • Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
  • Type of specie: Fish
  • Order: Salmoniformes
  • Family: Salmonidae

Habitat

  • Natural: Rivers, lakes, and streams with cold, well-oxygenated water.
  • Farming: Ponds and cages in cold waters with constant flow and quality control.

General Description

  • Body shape: Elongated and fusiform, with a hydrodynamic profile.
  • Distinctive features:

    Silvery body with an iridescent pink or red lateral stripe. Dark spots are present on the upper body, fins, and tail.

Size and Weight

  • Average length: Usually between 30 and 60 cm; in the wild, it can reach up to 1.2 meters.
  • Average weight: Commonly between 0.5 and 2 kg; some specimens can weigh up to 25.4 kg

Life Cycle

Rapid growth, reaching market size in 8 to 12 months.

Adaptations

Requires well-oxygenated and cold water (10-16°C) but adapts to diverse freshwater conditions.

Juveniles farming systems

Raised in recirculation systems (RAS) or land-based hatcheries.

Grow-out farming systems

Primarily in ponds, lake cages, or flow-through systems in rivers.

 

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  • Geographical distribution
Native to North America but widely introduced worldwide in cold waters.
  • Main producing countries
Chile, Norway, United States, Japan, Italy, Iran.
  • Commercial value

Highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth, white or pink flesh, firm texture, and mild flavor.

  • Additional uses

By-products: Used for processed products such as smoked or frozen fillets.

  • Common preparation methods
Ideal for grilling, baking, smoking, or steaming.