Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. Photo: Ben Mortensen
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is the state fish of New Mexico, and is one of 14 subspecies of cutthroat trout native to the western United States. Cutthroat trout once inhabited most coldwater streams throughout western North America. The RGCT is considered the southernmost subspecies of cutthroat trout, and is differentiated from other cutthroat trout by the large spots that are concentrated towards the tail and colorful pink or orange hues on its belly and sides.
In New Mexico, Rio Grande cutthroats occupy just 10% of their historical range. This reduction is due to a combination of factors including: water diversions, stream drying, dams, habitat degredation, changes in hybridization with rainbow trout, or competition with brown and brook trout. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 13 core populations remain in the wild. These are the key to the survival of the species. Four of the 13 core populations are located in the Santa Fe National Forest. The Rio Grande cutthroat trout is currently a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act.
The Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis), a member of the family Salmonidae, is found in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado in tributaries of the Rio Grande.
The Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis), a member of the family Salmonidae, is found in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado in tributaries of the Rio Grande.
For detailed information on this species, click here.