Northern Italian Brook Trout

Distinguished from congeners in Apennine Peninsula by the combination of the following characters: parr marks absent in adults and subadults (over about 10 cm SL); parr marks vertically elongated; caudal fin slightly emarginate; body pattern not marbled; red spots not restricted to lateral line; black or dark brown spots present. This diagnosis is tentative as genetic data indicate that Salmo cenerinus represents a lineage very different from those of Atlantic and Black Sea basins, but there is no published morphological comparison. Salmo trutta has probably hybridized with most native populations (Ref. 59043).

Inhabits streams in hilly areas, with clear, flowing and well oxygenated water (as a result of continuous stocking, often present in unsuitable habitats). Also occurs in alpine and subalpine lakes. Feeds on aquatic insects and invertebrates. Large individuals also prey on fishes. Moves to smaller tributaries to spawn on gravel. Attains a maximum size of up to about 80 cm SL and lives up to at least 8 years. Introduced and has hybridized with Salmo marmoratus (Ref. 59043).