Last updated on September 15th, 2022 at 08:38 pm
The marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) is one of the most popular species in the freshwater aquarium hobby, along with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki).
Marble trout may be maintained in an aquarium by themselves or with other fish species in groups ranging from three to 30 individuals. They are typically relatively peaceful and compatible with similarly-sized freshwater community fish species, except when spawning.
They make an excellent display fish as well as being ideal for the keen angler. They are native to Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea but have been introduced into many European countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, Poland, and the Czech Republic, often in lakes but also in rivers. The marble trout is sometimes called a fjord trout in Norway and other northern countries because it mainly lives in the fjords of these countries.
Salmo marmoratus is an extremely popular game fish that’s native to rivers in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its beautiful pink and brown spotted body makes it an eye-catching sight to see, and the fact that this fish isn’t dangerous to humans makes it an ideal addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Origin and descriptions
Marble trout, Salmo marmoratus, is a species of salmonid fish native to Asia. It is related to and often mistaken for rainbow trout. Marble trout can be distinguished from rainbow trout by its light-colored belly and greenish sides that give it a spotted appearance. Its body also tends to be more elongated than those of other trout species.
Its skin may also have faint blue or purple spots. Its eyes are red while young but they turn yellowish as they age. Like most trout, marble trout has an adipose fin between its dorsal fin and tail. Marble trout typically grow to about 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) in length. They have a life span of about 15 years. They usually weigh between 2 and 9 pounds (1-4 kg) when fully grown.
The marble trout is found in lakes and rivers throughout Asia, including China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Vietnam. It lives at altitudes ranging from 3200 feet above sea level to 13000 feet above sea level. The marble trout prefers clear waters with rocky bottoms where there are ample hiding places for cover from predators such as birds and mammals.
Species profile
The marble trout belong to the family Salmonidae, which includes all species of salmon and trout. They are native to North America and are usually found in small streams or rivers. They have a deep body with a largemouth, and they can grow up to 28 inches long.
These fish prefer colder water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. They tend to be more active at night and will feed on mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges, and other aquatic insects. If you’re interested in keeping marble trout as pets, it’s important that you provide them with an environment that is both clean and healthy.
Scientific name
The scientific name of the marble trout is Salmo marmoratus
Marble trout habitat
Marble trout are native to Turkey, where they live in mountain streams. In captivity, they can be kept in an aquarium with a water temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
They prefer shallow water with lots of plants for cover, but aren’t very active swimmers; they spend most of their time hiding among rocks or logs near the bottom of their habitat. Because marble trout originate from cool climates, it’s important that you keep your tank away from any heat sources like lamps or heaters.
Size
They can grow up to 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) in length and weighs up to 9 pounds (4 kg) when fully grown.
Tank size
Due to their large size, the minimum recommended tank size is 250 gallons (946 liters).
Tank requirements
Marbles have been known to inhabit a wide range of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and streams. Tanks that are too small may make them vulnerable to disease or attack from other fish in your tank. It’s best to keep your fish in at least 250-gallon tanks for their health and safety. If you do not have access to such a large tank, you can use dividers to create smaller rooms within your larger aquarium.
You should also make sure that there is plenty of cover for these fish; they need somewhere safe to hide when predators come around. A rock formation or artificial plants will help with this. Like many fish, Marble trout require hiding places because they are prey animals. When hiding, they become more difficult to see by potential predators, which allows them to avoid being eaten.
Breeding
In order to breed them, you must have at least one male and one female. The breeding process starts when both male and female fish spawn and fertilize eggs. This happens in spring, usually between April and June. After spawning, a marble trout will guard its eggs until they hatch, which can take up to two weeks. When it’s time for them to hatch, they will eat their own egg sacs to survive. Once hatched, they can live more than 15 years in captivity.
They prefer water temperatures of 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit with pH levels of 6.0-7.5; however, they are also able to adapt to different environments if necessary. They prefer large bodies of water such as lakes or ponds with plenty of vegetation but are also able to thrive in small aquariums or buckets containing at least 250 gallons of water.
Are they aggressive or peaceful?
They are very peaceful fish. They can get feisty if they feel their territory is being invaded, but that doesn’t happen often. They don’t bother other fish in any way, and they aren’t bothered by other species in a community tank. Only experienced aquarists should attempt to keep marble trout with predatory species like angelfish and basses.
Care
Salmo marmoratus are more delicate than other varieties of trout. To keep these fish happy, place them in an aquarium with a temperature of 65–74°F. A higher level of dissolved oxygen is required for marble trout, and thus aeration should be strong. Also, allow for plenty of swimming room for your fish to maintain good health and activity levels. If you choose to house marble trout with other species, do so carefully; they’re not as aggressive as some varieties.
What they eat
They prefer live foods like brine shrimps, bloodworms, and tubifex worms but will also eat flake food if no live food is available.
Freeze-dried foods are also appreciated by marble trout but note that these are typically very high in fat, so you’ll need to be careful not to overfeed your fish.
Lifespan
They can live for more than 15 years in captivity with good care and proper water parameters.
Parasites and diseases
As with any species of fish, marble trout can be susceptible to parasites and diseases. Because marble trout are not a common fish among aquarists, diseases and parasites can be hard to identify. One common parasite that affects marble trout is Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, or white spot disease. It’s usually caused by poor water quality, but otherwise, healthy fish can also carry it without showing any symptoms. Common symptoms include small dots on both fins and tails as well as cloudy eyes and clamped fins.
Quarantine tanks are a great idea with marble trout. They should also be treated with copper-based medicines if they show signs of parasites or infections. If you notice your marble trout is eating less than usual, consider treating it for internal parasites.
Predators
One of marble trout’s biggest threats are predators. They are eaten by many other species of fish, making them extremely vulnerable. To avoid being attacked by a predator, keep your marble trout in a fish tank or pool that is very well protected.
Some common predators are piranhas, pike, bass, and trout. Piranhas will eat any fish they can fit in their mouths. Pike will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth too. Bass has a very big mouth and can swallow your marble trout whole.
Do they make good pets?
Yes. They are fairly low-maintenance and make better pets than many other fish because they’re active, brightly colored, and visually interesting. These fish do best in a tank that is at least 250 gallons with lots of hiding places—plants work well for providing cover. They also do best when kept with other marble trout of similar size; they should not be kept with smaller or larger species.