Last updated on July 18th, 2022 at 12:18 am
Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are laker fish that commonly lives in the great lakes region, but they also live in rivers and other freshwater environments. These fish are one of the larger species of trout, growing up to 24 inches long and weighing up to 30 pounds.
They can live up to 25 years, but it’s rare to find one so old due to its slow growth rate, which varies depending on the population density of the lake where it lives. Lake trout feed on other fish, insects, crustaceans, and even rodents when they’re young and small.
Salvelinus namaycush, also called lake trout or laker fish, is one of the most prevalent species of freshwater trout in North America. These cold-water fish have been found in lakes throughout Alaska and as far south as Florida, and they’re even stocked in some lakes in the Northern United States.
Origin and descriptions
Lake trout, also known as laker fish or Salvelinus namaycush, are native to North America. They are cold-water fish and prefer water between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They have many adaptations that help them survive in cold water, such as their torpedo-shaped body and white skin (for camouflage).
The lake trout, or laker fish, is the largest of the trout species found in North America and can be found in lakes and rivers across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. They grow to over 30 pounds (18 kilograms) in size, making them among the largest types of freshwater fish in North America. If you are interested in raising this unique type of trout, use these care tips to properly take care of your new pet fish.
Species profile
They belong to the family Salmonidae, and are also native to Canada and United States, where they can be found throughout North America’s Great Lakes. Laker fish are popular due to their fine flavor, texture, and flaky texture.
They come in a variety of sizes depending on how long they have been harvested for. Lake trout generally range from 16-50 pounds (7-23 kg) however some lake trout caught in Lake Superior were recorded at over 100 pounds (45 kg). Lake trout that live in deep lakes tend to grow larger than those living in shallow lakes.
Scientific name
The scientific name of the lake trout fish is Salvelinus namaycush
Habitat
Lake trout are native to cold waters, but they can be kept in warmer climates if they’re provided with a good filtration system. Coldwater fish tanks should have at least a 40-gallon capacity and feature plenty of hiding places for your new pet. You’ll also need an aerator or an air pump so you can mimic natural currents in his tank.
How big do lake trout get?
This species of fish can grow up to 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) in length.
Tank size
The minimum recommended tank size for lake trout is 250 gallons (946 liters)
Tank requirements
A minimum-sized tank for laker fish is 250 gallons (946 liters). Lake trout are very sensitive to ammonia, so always keep your water’s pH within a range of 7.0–8.5 and at a steady level. The temperature should be between 68–75 degrees Fahrenheit (20–24 degrees Celsius).
Other essentials include soft, slightly acidic water, intense aeration with an air stone or other device, and good filtration and circulation. It’s also important to provide hiding places in terms of plants and rocks or other formations that will provide shade, lake trout aren’t as active as some species during daylight hours.
Bottom line: Be prepared for these fish! They require consistent care as well as good filtration; you may also want to invest in a UV sterilizer, which will help prevent bacterial infections from getting out of hand.
Tank mates
If you plan to add fish to your aquarium, it’s crucial that you first choose tank mates for your lake trout carefully. They are sensitive and shy, so they need calm and peaceful tank mates. You should think about choosing a mid-to-bottom-dwelling species that won’t cause too much commotion in your lake trout’s environment.
Some good tank mates are smaller species of cichlids, including:
- Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus)
- Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
- Red Devil Tetra (Hyphessobrycon notidanos) and so on.
Breeding
Breeding lake trout is not for everyone. The process can be difficult, and you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of work and commitment to ensure that your fish thrive. The fish spawn best in cool water during springtime when there are plenty of plankton in nearby waters; the females lay their eggs on rocks or gravel substrates near or at shoreline with males guarding them until they hatch.
The fries become free-swimming after two to three weeks and grow rapidly for about six months before being large enough to eat frozen foods.
To begin breeding your own brood, simply purchase some male and female specimens from different sellers and allow them a week or two acclimation periods before introducing them into separate tanks where spawning can occur.
Are they aggressive or peaceful?
In their natural habitat, they are very aggressive fish. They are known to attack and eat other species of fish, including smaller trout and salmon.
What do lake trout eat?
Lake trout is an omnivorous species that feed on a wide variety of aquatic organisms including other fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and annelid worms. They also feed on plant matters.
How long do lake trout live?
They can live for over 25 years in captivity, with good care and proper water parameters. A maximum recorded lifespan of around 40 years has been seen in their natural habitat.
Parasites and diseases
As they are cold-water fish, they are more susceptible to parasites and diseases than their warm-water counterparts. In addition to regular parasite and disease checks, consider adding salt to your lake trout’s tank. Aquarium salt is available at pet stores and can help reduce stress in fish.
This may help prevent outbreaks of parasitic infections and other ailments common to cold-water fish such as dropsy or erysipelas. Avoid tap water when filling tanks, as chlorine and heavy metals can harm lake trout.
Predators
It’s not uncommon for big predators to take a shot at these fish, so if you’re keeping them in an outdoor lake, be sure to check on them regularly. In some lakes, pike and muskies are primary predators of lake trout. In other lakes, foxes will readily eat your prized catch—and have no qualms about jumping into your boat.
Do they make good pets?
While they may make for fine pets in some locations, there are several reasons why you might want to avoid them. Lake trout require much more space than other species of fish, and they tend to be very picky eaters, meaning that you must feed them a wide variety of food items. If you’re just looking for a hobby pet, lake trout may not be right for you.