Howdy Riverman, I'm Not a Biologist By any means but,Yes he will be ready for 2 things,either to chase or avoid any confrontation 90% of the time. I have put glass in an Aquarium to seperate the Adult fish from their Offspring when they consume the young,etc. even different species at same agegroup etc.
Rainbows are a Vicious Breed and I do believe that They have a Stronger or just as Strong since of Smell and Taste for "Meat" as any Flathead Catfish I've ever seen. Both, or All species have some things in common as far as Taste ,Smell, and even Curiosity; Yes they are Highly Intellegent, I have Proved it. At 2" long,The Flathead Catfish is Trainable at feeding time, where the Trout will sometimes Starve himself to avoid being seen or Noticed,Touched,etc. Rainbows and others as well, Like to think they are Invisable which is self satisfaction. This I've tested with several different kinds of Aquatic Critters in aquariums rite down to Crawdads; Most people have No Clue How Smart "All Wild Critters" are; The fish in the Arkansas Southwest Rivers are Being Cross Bred,Yes and they are some of the Scrappiest fish I ever delt with My Theory is, and I don't care what the School books say,"Anything that consumes Food" has to Use his Brain to Smell,Taste,Touch; and only Lives to Eat, Reproduce,and Stay in a Survival Mode. I miss the River. It's been 3 1/2 years.