Rainbow trout is a game fish known for the shiny red or pink band that runs along its side, which somewhat resembles a rainbow. Fishing enthusiasts prize rainbow trout for its fighting ability. Rainbow trout are muscular and slender. They generally grow from 12 to 30 inches (30 to 76 centimeters) long and weigh from 2 to 8 pounds (1 to 4 kilograms). The rainbow trout has silvery skin on its sides, with a darker back. Small black spots cover its back and fins.
Rainbow trout live in cool mountain streams, rivers, and lakes. They are native to North America, but today people stock them in waters on every continent except Antarctica. The fish eat insects and smaller fish, as well as mollusks and crustaceans. Some rainbow trout, called steelhead, swim to the ocean, where they feed on fish, shrimp, and squid and develop a more silvery skin color. They return to fresh water to reproduce. Steelhead typically grow larger than other rainbow trout. They can reach over 40 inches (100 centimeters) long and weigh over 25 pounds (11 kilograms). All rainbow trout lay their eggs in fresh water.
Some fish farms raise rainbow trout as a food fish. People also stock them in lakes and streams to attract fishing enthusiasts.
