Kype is a bony structure that protrudes from the lower jaw of male trout during the breeding season. This structure, which can look like a hook or a curved beak, serves a few purposes:
* Attracting females: The kype is believed to be a visual display, making the male trout more attractive to females.
* Competition: During spawning season, males compete for access to females. The kype can be used to fight other males, either by shoving or by clamping onto their fins.
* Nesting: Some species use their kype to dig nests in the gravel, preparing a place for their eggs.
While the kype might look like a long hooked mouth, it's important to remember that it's just a temporary structure that disappears after the spawning season. The rest of their mouth remains normal, with teeth for catching and consuming prey.