The rainbow trout is a native of the rivers and lakes of North America but has spread throughout the world due to its popularity as a hard-fighting game fish and delectable food source. Cutthroat trout, on the other hand, do have a small set of teeth (known as basibranchial teeth) at the base of their tongue. When looking into a rainbow trout’s mouth, you will not see teeth at the base of its tongue. TeethĪnother differentiation in the rainbow trout vs cutthroat trout identification game is their teeth. Both cutthroat and cutbow trout, on the other hand, have pointed tails with pronounced forks. Rainbow trout almost always have a more squared tail (also known as the caudal fin) with a minimal fork. TailĪ different area to focus on when making the differentiation between cutthroat, rainbow, and cutbow trout is the tail. These differences will help the angler with identifying these two species, as the lack of white-tipped fins eliminates the cutthroat trout from consideration. Cutthroat trout have solid coloration on all of their fins, whereas both rainbow trout and cutbow trout have white-tipped fins. FinsĪnother area where these three species differ is their fins. However, if an angler is able to identify the darker coloration mixed with both the lateral line and the colored gill plates behind the jaw, they will most likely be correct in identifying the fish as a cutbow trout. Where the confusion usually arises is due to the cutbow having both the pink horizontal line of the rainbow trout as well as the distinctive red or orange marking of the cutthroat. In most cases, cutbow will take on the darker coloration of cutthroat trout, usually light brown or gold. In terms of similarities to the rainbow trout, cutthroat trout also have scattered black spots all over their bodies.Ĭutbow trout is one of the slightly trickier fish to identify as they have a variety of similarities to both rainbow and cutthroat trout. The coloring of the gill plate is also dependent on geographical location. They will also have a distinctive red or orange gill plate just behind their jaw. Do not be fooled by these, however, as coastal rainbow trout will still have the same silver coloration as traditional rainbows.Ĭutthroat trout, on the other hand, is not silver and, depending on where in the country they are located, will have more of a golden brown or olive green coloring. One other detail to note when identifying rainbow trout is that certain coastal rainbow trout will have red markings on the throat area, similar to a cutthroat trout. They also have black spots speckled all over their bodies. Rainbow trout are bright silver and have a pink horizontal line that runs from behind the jaw to the base of the tail. The cutbow trout has a blend of both, and once anglers are able to identify these specific markings correctly, identifying their catch will become second nature. Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout are two of the most iconic freshwater species, and both have unique markings that set them apart.
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