The Trucha fish is a carnivorous freshwater ray-finned fish species. This fish is closely related to salmon and have similar migratory life cycles. Most of the Trucha are strictly potamodromous. They spend their entire lives exclusively in freshwater lakes, rivers and wetlands and migrating upstream to spawn in the shallow gravel beds of smaller headwater creeks.
The hatched fry and juvenile Trucha will stay upstream growing for years before migrating down to larger waterbodies as maturing adults. The Trucha is classified as an oily fish, and it has been important food fish for humans. However, before discussing more, let us first explain what Trucha fish actually is.
What is Trucha Fish?
The Trucha fish is a popular freshwater fish which is known for its delicate flavor and flaky texture. Trucha is actually the Spanish word for trout. There are various species of Trucha available, including rainbow, brown etc. These fish are often found in streams, rivers, and lakes. It is a very common and popular fish in many cultures and cuisines throughout the world.
Trucha fish in English
In English, “Trucha” refers to “trout”. Depending on the context, Trucha can also refer to certain species of trout (like rainbow trout or brown trout).
Characteristics
Like all other fish species, the Trucha fish also have several distinctive physical characteristics. They have a streamlined, elongated body and typically feature a variety of colors depending on the species. For example, the rainbow variety has a pink stripe along their side, while the brown Trucha have a more mottled appearance with spots.
Trucha typically have large, well-developed eyes. They have two dorsal fins, a forked tail fin and pectoral and pelvic fins. They have small, and overlapping scales that can vary in color.
Size and weight
Exact size of the Trucha fish depends on the species. For example, the body length of Rainbow species typically range between 12 to 20 inches and their average weight is between 1 to 5 pounds.
Diet
The Trucha generally feed on other fish, and soft bodied aquatic invertebrates such as flies, mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, mollusks, and dragonflies. Actually, Trucha have varied diets depending on the species, habitat, and life stage.
Reproduction
Most of the Trucha fish species spawn in the spring or fall. Female Trucha create nests in gravelly areas of streams or lakes. They use their tails to dig shallow depressions in the substrate. And once the nest is prepared, the female Trucha lays thousands of egg. Then the males fertilize the eggs.
After successful fertilization, the eggs are left in the nest to develop. The eggs typically take several weeks to hatch. Actual incubation time can vary and depends on water temperature. Water with warmer temperature generally leads to faster hatching.
Lifespan
Actual lifespan of the Trucha fish depends on the species. For example, average lifespan of the rainbow species is typically between 4 to 7 years.
Uses
The Trucha fish is highly regarded as food for its delicate flavor and it can be prepared in numerous ways. It is used in many traditional recipes.
Cooking and recipes
You can cook the Trucha fish in many different ways. Some popular cooking ways are:
Grilling: Grilling is the most common and popular way of cooking Trucha fish. For grilling, take whole and cleaned Trucha, olive oil, lemon slices, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Rub the Trucha with olive oil, and then season with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and herbs. And finally, place the Trucha on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Pan-Frying: It is also a popular way of cooking this fish. Take Trucha fillets, flour, olive oil or butter, lemon wedges, salt and pepper. First season the trout fillets with salt and pepper and then dust lightly with flour. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until crispy. Flip the fillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. And finally serve hot with lemon wedges.
Baking: Baking is a healthy way of cooking this fish. For baking, take 2 fillets of Trucha, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic, fresh herbs, salt, lemon juice, pepper. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the Trucha fillet in a baking dish. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Then pour garlic butter over the trout and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked properly.
Taste
The Trucha fish is very tasty. It is known for its delicate, mild flavor. Different cooking methods make its taste different. For example, grilling Trucha fish can impact a smoky flavor, while baking with herbs and lemon can enhance its natural sweetness.
Price
Exact price of the Trucha fish depends on numerous factors and can vary from place to place and also depends on the variety. For example, average price of the fresh Rainbow Trucha variety can ranges from $5 to $10 per pound.
Frequently asked question
People often ask several questions regarding this fish species. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions about this fish species.
Where to buy Trucha fish?
You can buy Trucha fish from several sources. You can purchase the fish from your local fish markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and online seafood retailers.
How to cook Trucha fish?
Cooking Trucha fish is relatively easy and simple. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry this fish.
What is Trucha fish in English?
Trucha is called “trout” in English. There are actually many different varieties of this fish.
