The golden rainbow trout is a hatchery-produced strain of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Although its coloration is unique, the golden rainbow behaves like other hatchery-raised rainbow trout.
This unique color strain can be traced back to a single female trout that appeared in the West Virginia hatchery system in 1950’s. By 1963, selective breeding produced an all-gold strain, known as “West Virginia Centennial Golden Trout.”
Golden rainbows have deep golden-yellow bodies, pinkish lower fins, and a reddish lateral stripe. Unlike typical rainbow trout, golden individuals do not have spotting on the body or fins.
Golden rainbows are sometimes confused with the Califonia golden trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita), an entirely different species.
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