General Description: Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are typical trout-shaped, fusiform fish with a dorsal fin set behind the middle of the back and a small adipose fin ahead of the trail fin. Coloration is variable, but they are marked with light spots distributed over the darker back and sides. The belly may be red. The lower fins (pectoral, abdominal, and pelvic) are dark with a white leading edge.

When young, these fish have a row of dark spots (par marks) down the side of the body.

Taxonomy: Family: Salmonidae.

Diet: These predatory fish eat flying insects, aquatic insects, and small fish.

Favored Habitat: Cold, clear waters.

Where to Find: Brook trout are native to eastern North America, but they have been widely planted as sport fish. Around Las Vegas, look for this species in Cold Creek on the northeast side of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

Comments: Brook trout were planted in this stream.