Key to the Identification of Salmonid Sport Fish in Alberta

Last Update/Review: February 16, 2005

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Developed in conjunction with Trout Unlimited Canada, this useful tool can help you identify trout. Use it while taking the quiz to learn the importance of the key characteristics of each species.

The text boxes and illustrations that follow describe certain key characteristics that separate species of salmonid sport fish (members of the trout family). Read the information, decide which arrows to follow and click on the appropriate links to determine your unknown species.

Note: To learn how to use a scientific key, including a fun activity, go to How Identification Keys Work. You may also wish to refer to the Glossary and Fish Diagram for definitions of terms used in this key. These files are displayed in a separate window for easy call up while you are using this or any other section of this web site.

Salmonid Family

Large Scales
(Whitefish and Arctic Grayling)

Go to Page 2
Close up photo of some large fish scales
Lorne Fitch 		 

Small Scales
(Trout and Char)

Go to Page 3

Close up photo of some small scales
Jim Stelfox

Note: The credited photographers have licensed the use of their work to Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. They reserve all other rights.

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