What characteristic is believed to inspire the common name of the bull trout, *Salvelinus confluentus*?
Answer
Its large, somewhat bovine-looking head or aggressive spawning nature
The common nomenclature applied to the bull trout is thought to originate from one of two distinct physical or behavioral traits observed by early observers. One primary derivation relates to the fish possessing a large head structure that appears somewhat bovine, similar to a bull. Alternatively, the name may stem from the fish exhibiting aggressive behavior, particularly males exhibiting dominance displays during the intense fall spawning season. This contrasts with the scientific genus, *Salvelinus*, which broadly reflects its char lineage, distinguishing it from true trout species.
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