Unfortunately, aquatic habitat destruction continued, and in 1993 one of these two remaining populations was lost to residential development. Attempts to relocate some of these fish into other suitable streams failed and now only one small population of Ohio's native brook trout remains. Currently, this area is also under threat from residential development, but the Ohio Division of Wildlife is working with various agencies, organizations, and the developer to preserve this critical habitat. Char, such as lake trout and Dolly Varden, display light-colored spots on a dark body. True trout, on the other hand, such as brown, rainbow, or cutthroat trout, exhibit dark-colored spots against a light body background.
Brook trout are also among the most colorful of all freshwater fish.
Males are the most colorful during the spawning season when their dark green backs are covered with cream-colored irregular lines. Male brook trout also develop a hooked jaw and brilliant red and black slashes on their belly and fins during spawning. White, black, and red fins are an identification hallmark of this fish. Brook trout are fall spawners, building their nests and depositing eggs in late September or early October. The spawning pair chooses a site of loose, clean gravel in shallow riffle or shoreline areas with a good supply of upwelling, oxygen-rich water.