World Distribution of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis

Abstract

During the past century, the endemic range of the brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), has been extended to include western North America and the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Water temperature appears to be the most important single factor limiting the geographic range, but adequate precipitation and suitable spawning areas are necessary also for the establishment of self-sustaining populations. It is improbable that, with the possible exception of Asia, the present range of the brook trout will be greatly extended through further attempts at introduction.