08-04-2004, 12:57 AM
[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url][#0000ff]Many aquatic critters have "chromatophores" in their skins that can change colors with varying conditions. In deep water, some fish become very pale, and turn darker when returned to shallower water and more direct sunlight. On the other end of the spectrum, many oceanic species (like dolphin fish and marlins) are known for "lighting up" in bright colors when excited...but then turning to a dull grey color when life ebbs from them after being brought aboard and killed.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Trout are not able to control rapid changes in their skin coloration or intensity, but they do go through different color phases naturally over the year. Most notable is the brighter breeding colors of most species during the spawn. But, the colors can change when the fish are stressed or injured too. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the interesting things I have observed about trout is how they will turn silvery in large waters...especially when they are clear and deep...like the Gorge. But, the same species, taken from a tributary or outlet stream will have all the characteristic colors. I suppose it is a survival adaptation, with bright reflective silver being more difficult for predators to see in clear water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And then there are the black trout you catch from under the banks in streams with a lot of leaves and tannin in the water. Yep, fish identification can be challenging if you rely solely on color.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news is that a change in color is no reason to discard a fish...unless it turns green after two weeks in the refrigerator.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Trout are not able to control rapid changes in their skin coloration or intensity, but they do go through different color phases naturally over the year. Most notable is the brighter breeding colors of most species during the spawn. But, the colors can change when the fish are stressed or injured too. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the interesting things I have observed about trout is how they will turn silvery in large waters...especially when they are clear and deep...like the Gorge. But, the same species, taken from a tributary or outlet stream will have all the characteristic colors. I suppose it is a survival adaptation, with bright reflective silver being more difficult for predators to see in clear water.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And then there are the black trout you catch from under the banks in streams with a lot of leaves and tannin in the water. Yep, fish identification can be challenging if you rely solely on color.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The good news is that a change in color is no reason to discard a fish...unless it turns green after two weeks in the refrigerator.[/#0000ff]
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