Brown Trout and Similar Species
Salmo trutta
Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Brown Trout. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Key differences: Rainbow Trout typically have a pink or red lateral stripe, more numerous and smaller black spots (often extending onto the caudal fin), and radiating streaks on the operculum. Their mouth usually does not extend past the eye, and their vomerine teeth are in a single, straight row.
Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Key differences: Atlantic Salmon (especially parr) can be confused with juvenile Brown Trout. Salmon parr typically have fewer, larger spots, often X-shaped, and a more deeply forked tail. Adult salmon are generally more slender and silvery with fewer spots than sea trout, and their mouth does not extend as far back as a brown trout's.
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Key differences: Brook Trout are char, not true trout. They have distinctive worm-like markings (vermiculations) on their back and dorsal fin, white leading edges on their pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, and red spots with blue halos (areolae) on their flanks. Their tail is typically square or slightly emarginate.
Explore Brown Trout
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.