What is Idé?
Idé (Salmo trutta trutta) is a species of salmon that is found in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is classified as a predatory fish and is sometimes referred to as a sea trout. The fish have a long and slender body, silverish color and an adipose fin. It is usually found in depths ranging from 4-15 m and can reach a maximum size of around 90 cm and 5 kg.
Idé is an important species in the commercial fishing business, as it is a regular part of the diet in many countries. It is popularly served smoked in Scandinavia, especially during the holiday season. Additionally, it is also used to make salted and pickled roe and caviar. The fish is also eaten fresh, fried with some garlic and lemon, as a sushi and it can also be found canned.
Idé Habitat and Distribution
Idé prefer to inhabit the unique coastal areas like fjords and other brackish water environments. It is mainly found in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean from UK, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands and even North America. The fish spawn in freshwater rivers and stream, with the adults swimming downstream to their feeding ground in estuaries and other areas where they can feed on fish, crabs and other marine organisms.
Biology and Behaviour of the Idé
Idé is a migratory species, with adults migrating from their spawning grounds to the estuaries for feeding. They have a lifespan of around three to four years and are capable of spawning up to four times a year. Males and females reach sexual maturity at the age of one year and can grow up to a maximum size of around 90 cm.
Spawning occurs from May to mid July with the adults swimming upstream to their spawning grounds in freshwater rivers and streams. The eggs hatch in four to five weeks and the larvae drift downstream until the age five months.
Unlike other Salmonids, the Idé do not feed on small prey such as larvae and eggs, but instead feed on larger prey like fish, crabs and shrimps. The fish is usually found in areas with a moderate flow of water, where they can find shelter by hiding in the rocks.
Ecology and Conservation Status
Idé are an important part of the food web, making up the diet of predatory species like seals, seabirds and marine mammals. However, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, their populations have declined, and they are now considered vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.
In recent years, measures have been taken to increase the population of Idé by introducing artificial spawning beds in freshwater rivers and streams, and by protecting the adults from overexploitation. Since the Idé is a slow-growing and long-living species, the current level of protection might need to be strengthened in order to ensure the long-term conservation of the species.
Conclusion
Idé is an important species for the commercial fishing industry, as it is a regular part of the diet in many countries. The fish is a migratory species which relies on the unique coastal areas like fjords for its habitat, and it is capable of spawning up to four times a year. Due to overfishing and habitat destruction, their populations have declined, and they are now considered vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. To ensure the conservation of the species and its populations, measures have been taken to increase their populations and to protect the adults from overexploitation.