Bonneville cutthroat trout

Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Actinopterygii / Sarcopterygii
Genus	Oncorhynchus
Species	Oncorhynchus clarkii
Conservation Status	Least Concern
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The Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) is a subspecies of the Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) native to the Bonneville Basin in the western United States. It is named after Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake that once covered much of present-day Utah.

Description

The Bonneville Cutthroat Trout is a medium-sized fish, typically reaching lengths of 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm) and weighing between 0.5 to 2 pounds (0.2 to 0.9 kg). It has a streamlined body with a slightly forked tail and small, rounded fins. The coloration of the fish varies depending on its habitat, but it generally has a greenish-brown back, yellowish sides, and a reddish-orange belly. The most distinctive feature of the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout is the bright red or orange slash marks on the lower jaw, which give it its name.

Distribution and Habitat

The Bonneville Cutthroat Trout is endemic to the Bonneville Basin, which includes parts of Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming. It primarily inhabits cold, clear mountain streams, rivers, and lakes at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet (1,200 to 3,000 meters). The trout requires clean, well-oxygenated water with suitable spawning gravel and ample food sources, such as insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

Conservation

The Bonneville Cutthroat Trout is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, certain populations within its range have experienced declines due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and competition with non-native fish species. Efforts are underway to protect and restore the trout's habitat, including the removal of non-native fish and the implementation of fishing regulations to ensure sustainable populations.

See also

• Cutthroat Trout
• Lake Bonneville
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species