What is it?

By MDC | November 1, 2026
From Xplor: November/December 2026
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  • At birth, I’m quite a small fry,
  • just a belly and a couple of eyes.
  • I live where I’ll never be dry ...
  • but wear a bow that crosses the sky.
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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are named for the long, colorful stripes that adult fish have on their sides. Baby trout, however, aren’t so colorful. They’re mostly pink, with big, round bellies called yolk sacs. A yolk sac provides all the food a newborn needs for the first two to four weeks of its life. Once its yolk sac is used up, the tiny trout, which is now called a “fry,” begins eating insects.

Also In This Issue

Media
female black bear in den with two cubs
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Even after death, trees contain lots of life.

This Issue's Staff

Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber