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Rainbow trout
Common name:
Rainbow troutScientific name:
Oncorhynchus mykiss:
Rainbow trout are found in cold, well oxygenated water. Rainbow trout have been linked to the decline of some indigenous fish species.
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
North America.What is its invasive status in South Africa?
Rainbow trout is not listed as an invader in any law in South Africa. Rainbow trout is proposed as a Category 2 invasive species in proposed amendments to the Alien Invasive Species Regulations (February 2018). These regulations have not been passed into law, to date.Where in South Africa is it a problem?
Western Cape and highland regions of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Province.How does it spread?
They spread by swimming and establishing themselves in cold water rivers and under suitable conditions females will breed producing 2 000 to 3 000 eggs.Why is it a problem?
Trout are efficient predators which prey on smaller fish species and threaten indigenous fish. They also feed on amphibians and invertebrates, leading to local declines.What does it look like?
Description: Dark-olive in colour, shading to silvery-white on the underside with a heavily speckled body. A pink-red stripe is often present along their sides. This becomes most pronounced during the breeding season. The body profile is oblong and streamlined. In dams they can reach almost 70cm in length with a weight of 6kg, but in shallower rivers they seldom exceed 50cm and weigh around 1.5kg. Habitat: Found in fast-flowing, well oxygenated rivers and highland dams. They have a preference for clear, cold water. Breeding: Females produce 2 000 to 3 000 eggs. The eggs fall onto the gravel and between pebbles where they complete their development.
General News Updates
2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasio…
26-02-2019
This is your invitation to South Africa's 2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasions. The convention is hosted by the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Stellenbosch, and the Biolo... Read more
2019 Invasive Species Training
22-01-2019
During the past five years (2014-2018), ISSA invasive species trainers have trained 4 000 in the identification of invasive species and laws pertaining to invasive species across South Africa. ... Read more
Alien Grass Working Group
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Who are we? The South African National Alien Grass Working Group was jointly initiated by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Centre for Excellence in Invasion Biology (C·I·B) in... Read more
Permits for planting indigenous Cynodon?
01-03-2018
On 16 February, 2018, South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs issued amendments to the regulations and lists relating to the National List of Invasive Species. Updates to the draft&n... Read more
Invasive species training 2018 dates released
28-02-2018
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Communications post for Africa advertised
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The Nature Conservancy has advertised a brand new post: Communications Manager, Africa Region. Knowledge of invasive species and water would be an asset in this post. See details below: Job Titl... Read more
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