Colorado State Fish
Many people enjoy Colorado for the wonderful fishing. We have many varieties of trout in the rivers and lakes of Colorado but in 1994 the Greenback Cutthroat trout was designated the official state fish. The attention drawn to this species of fish was important because it was on the verge of extinction due to pollution from mining and conflicts with other non-native and introduced species of trout which took over the small streams and rivers the cutthroat enjoyed.
Overfishing also played a role in the decline of the species. When this fish was listed under the 1973 Endangered Species Act as endangered, the CDW (Colorado Division of Wildlife) acted to protect, and help propagate the species. This helped restore some of the population and upgrade the status to threatened, however the introduction of hybridized trout to native waters further damaged the pure species population of the greenback cutthroat.
The maximum size of a greenback cutthroat trout is 18 inches (46 cm) long and has been known in years past to weigh as much as 9 lbs. (4.5 k). The coloration during spawning is brilliant and the fish has the classic red lower jaw and throat of all cutthroat trout. These beautiful fish can be found in both the South Platte and the Arkansas River basins, as well as upstream in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Big Thompson River.
What is the Endangered Species Act of 1973?
You may read more about this important legislation to protect endangered, threatened and near-extinct wildlife. Through federal action and by encouraging the establishment of state programs, the 1973 Endangered Species Act provided for the conservation of ecosystems upon which threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants depend.
Where Can I Read More About Endangered Species?
One resource that will list all the species that are being monitored, from the ones of concern to the ones already extinct and everything in between…. is the comprehensive guide called the IUNC Red List of Threatened Species. The site will tell you what you might expect to see, show you what’s being done and offer ways to help.
