Among the many fishes of the world, the steelhead stands out from the pack. The fish is elusive by nature. Hence, the hype surrounding it. It is no wonder that the average steelhead reaches the magical 40-inch mark. Although some specimens make it to the ocean, the majority of them are born in the freshwater.
The fish has an interesting lifecycle. As juveniles, it migrates to the ocean for spawning. After a short hiatus, it returns to its home waters for a full fledged adulthood. During the course of its life, it can reach a hefty eight years in the prime. This longevity is attributed to its superior eating habits. A large part of the fish’s diet comprises of zooplankton, a term derived from the French word zooplankton, albeit in a slightly less palatable context.
The true blue is a relative of the human race, and is most often found in Lake Erie, the aforementioned Lake Ontario, and the fabled Lake Ashi. The steelhead’s close cousin, the salmon, lives in the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Is Steelhead Same As Rainbow?
Steelhead and rainbow trout are fish that have different lifecycles. They are anadromous, meaning they migrate to the ocean and return to freshwater. However, both species have different characteristics that are important to understand.
Rainbow trout live in freshwater and are raised in streams, lakes, and creeks. This habitat affects their size and color. Some of their diet includes crustaceans and mollusks, but they also eat insects and zooplankton.
Steelhead spend the first couple of years of their lives in freshwater and then migrate to the ocean. Then, they stay in saltwater for about two to three years before returning to freshwater to spawn.
Steelhead are larger than rainbow trout and have a more silvery appearance. Their pinkish-red stripe along the middle of their bodies is usually less pronounced than in rainbow trout.
Steelhead also have a lighter silvery or chrome-colored body, which helps them to offset predators. When steelhead migrate to the sea, they change in color.
Although both fish are popular, they are different species. They are both lean sources of protein, but their varying coloration and texture can make them difficult to identify.
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