River trout are common throughout Europe, with the exception of Greece and the islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily. This fast-swimming predatory fish becomes a cannibal when there’s a lack of food. River trouts leave their territory only for reproduction. The spawning season is from October to January.
The rainbow trout came from North America to Europe towards the end of the 19th century. In contrast to the river trout it tolerates higher water temperatures (up to 25 ° C), which is why it is also used in ponds. It grows faster than the brown trout. Its main feature is the pink-coloured stripe at its side, which is particularly recognizable during the spawning time at the young males.
The young fish live in shoals. Their life expectancy depends on the water quality.
Trouts hunt both under water and at the water surface.