They can live well in excess of 25 years and up to 60 years. It can take as long as 7 years for the species to reach maturation. Life History: Lake trout are a relatively slow growing, long-lived fish by New Hampshire standards. When algae and phytoplankton die it sinks to the bottom where it is consumed by bacteria, using up oxygen in the process. Lakes and ponds with excessive nutrient inputs (fertilizers, sewage) can create an oxygen deficiency in the hypolimnion layer as the nutrients lead to increases in algae and phytoplankton. ![]() Lakes and ponds with suitable dissolved oxygen levels are a reflection of water quality. Dissolved oxygen levels required are typically in excess of 5 or 6 parts per million. During cooler periods without lake stratification, lake trout have the ability to move freely into the shallows. Lake trout generally prefer water temperatures around 50☏ but are able to survive in waters that reach as high as 60☏. The species can make excursions above the thermocline into warmer water temperatures but these trips are quick foraging excursions and usually short lived. When warm summer air temperatures cause lakes to stratify, lake trout reside below the thermocline in the hypolimnion layer. Habitat: Although lake trout can exist in rivers and shallow ponds in parts of their range, lake trout occupy only deep-water lakes in New Hampshire. That being said, young-of-the-year lake trout are rarely observed because of the habitat they occupy. They have similar coloration, parr marks, and body shape. Young-of-the-year lake trout can resemble other salmonids in the same age class. Species commonly confused with: Brook trout, brown trout. The white coloration is often not as brilliant or contrasting as with the fins of a brook trout. As with brook trout, some lake trout fins can have distinct white boarders on the outer edges. The coloration of the underbelly can vary between yellow, white, or light brown. ![]() The main background color can range from almost black to light green, gray, or light brown. Lake trout are noted for abundant white or pale yellow spots which are present on the head, fins, and body of the species. Typical of all fish in the salmonidae family, lake trout have an adipose fin. This 10.5 lbs lake trout was caught during a survey on Nubanusit Lakeĭescription: The species can be quite variable in coloration but still maintains a typical trout like body shape. Lake trout surveys are conducted at night during the spawning season using gill nets.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |