Trout

Trout
Image: Public domain
Community type

Aquatic herbland

Habitat type

Tidal wetlands and macrophytes beds

Brown trout are native to Europe and have been introduced all over the world. They were introduced into Tasmania from England in 1864. Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and like brown trout have been introduced into many countries. The life history and environmental requirements of these species are similar. Trout occur in most lakes and rivers in Tasmania, and maintain their own populations. They are widespread and abundant down to sea level in all major drainages except in the south-west of Tasmania. In some lakes where trout cannot sustain themselves Inland Fisheries Service of Tasmania re-stocks these waters for recreational fishers. They feed on a wide variety of animals including crustaceans, molluscs, both aquatic and terrestrial insects and small fishes. Due to their abundance and voracious diet, they, along with other introduced species such as redfin perch, are responsible for declines in several native fish species including numerous threatened Tasmanian Galaxiids.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities focused around the key estuary habitats of tidal wetlands, salt marshes and rocky reefs. These include classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experiences.