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

Cascade Stream and Pond