Trout Facts

April 7, 2022

Question: How do trout camouflage themselves from predators?

Answer: When trout hatch, they have a transparent appearance that reduces their visibility to predators. As trout continue to develop, pigmented cells in the skin called chromatophores help form spotted patterns and marks which allow the fish to camouflage themselves in their natural habitat. Some of these cells have reflective qualities that also lighten or darken to help the fish blend in with their surroundings.

Countershading is another camouflage adaptation that helps reduce predation. Trout have darker, spotted backs to blend in with the substrate and avoid predators from above, while
lighter undersides help them avoid predators from beneath by blending in with the light from above.

For more fun fish facts, visit CDFW’s Classroom Aquarium Education Program(opens in new tab) webpage.