Habitat and Ecology
Large oligotrophic lakes; in Scotland usually only in lakes inhabited by Salvelinus species on which it preys. Spawns only in the larger and deeper tributaries.
Lives up to 23 years. Spawns in November-December. Feeds on fishes and a variety of insects. In Scotland, feeds on invertebrates until about 300 mm SL, then switches to a fish diet, mostly Salvelinus species.
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
Red List Criteria
Ferox trout (Salmo ferox) is a variety of trout found in oligotrophic lakes of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Ferox trout is a traditional name for large, piscivorous trout, which in Scotland feed largely on Arctic char. It has been argued to be a distinct species, being reproductively isolated from "normal" brown trout (Salmo trutta) of the same lakes, particularly in Ireland. However, it is uncertain whether the ferox of different lakes are all of a single origin. This fish grows to a length of 80 centimetres (31 in) SL.
Scottish authorities currently do not regard Scottish ferox to be taxonomically distinct from Salmo trutta.
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