The California state fish, the golden trout, is endangered due to crossbreeding with other trout species, particularly rainbow trout. Its habitat was protected in 1978, but threats include poor land management and hybridization. The fish is visually striking and feeds on insects.
California’s state fish is the golden trout, which are typically found in Golden Trout Creek, its tributaries, the Kern River, South Fork Kern River, and Lake Isabella. The golden trout, scientifically known as Onchorhynchus aguabonita, was designated the state fish of California in 1947. While programs supporting the species were thought to have successfully expanded the golden trout’s range throughout the Sierra Nevada and even other states , experts now believe that genetically pure golden trout may be endangered due to crossbreeding with other trout species, particularly rainbow trout. The golden trout is believed to be a subspecies of the rainbow trout and may have evolved from the Sacramento San-Joaquin Redband Rainbow Trout. The 300,000-acre (121,405 ha) habitat of the golden trout was officially protected by the state of California in 1978, and the species was added to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list in 1991.
The California golden trout is considered by many to be one of the most colorful and visually striking trout species. California state fish typically have an olive green dorsal stripe. Its abdomen and flanks can range in color from bright red to vibrant gold. The colors are believed to become brighter during spawning, which usually occurs in the spring. Golden trout feed mainly on insects and their larvae.
Although these fish have been introduced to high-elevation waters throughout western North America, they are believed to be native to approximately 450 miles (724 kilometers) of the South Fork Kern River and Golden Trout Creek. These fish are thought to be ideal for cold waters found at high elevations, generally above 6,800 feet (2072.6 meters). These generally slow-growing fish have an average life span of about seven years and usually reach an average size of about 1 pound (0.45 kilograms).
These fish have historically been relatively limited in their range and are now considered critically endangered. Threats to California golden trout include grazing by livestock and poor quality land management, which have damaged the golden trout’s natural habitat. California state fish are also believed to be particularly vulnerable to hybridization, particularly with non-native trout species that have been introduced to the area. Efforts have been made in the past to sustain the golden trout population and increase its range, but these efforts appear to have contributed to the hybridization of the species.
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