Cutthroat Trout
scientific name
Oncorhynchus clarki
size
up to 16" most habitats " perhaps larger in some lakes
characteristics
needs precise water conditions - cool temp, no pollution, & abundant food " "lateral line" is row of sense organs on sides
reproduction/life span
Eggs. female lays " male spreads sperm over them ("spawning") " spring
diet
Wild. any animal small enough to be swallowed whole & aquatic insect larvae
Zoo. insects & trout chow
habitat/range
native to North America west of Rocky Mountains " now introduced to many parts of world, often to detriment of local fauna " spawn in streams of the Pacific Northwest " landlocked populations in many inland waters " sea run cutthroat larger
status
portion of wild native population classified by ODFW as sensitive " one of most highly sought game fish " hatcheries use less cutthroat trout than rainbow trout " diminishing wild population due to habitat loss
oregon zoo exhibit