Fish
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus virginalisAlso known as Rio Grande Trout, New Mexico Cutthroat Trout
Rio Grande cutthroat trout inhabit cold, high-elevation headwater streams throughout northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Characterized by a brilliant red slash along the lower jaw and irregular spots concentrated near the tail, these native gamefish thrive in clean, well-oxygenated mountain waters. Males display intense reddish-orange coloration along their bellies during the spring spawning season.
FreshwaterNative TroutColdwater
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMayflies, Caddisflies, Midges
Predators
- Osprey
- River Otter
- Larger predatory fish
ThreatsHybridization, habitat loss, warming water temperatures
HabitatsCold, high-elevation mountain streams and headwaters
Life span5–8 years
Classification
- FamilySalmonidae
- SpeciesOncorhynchus virginalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by a yellowish-green body with dense tail spots and crimson slashes beneath the lower jaw.
- Support conservation
- Handle with wet hands, keep submerged in water, and use single barbless hooks when angling.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch quietly from elevated stream banks to avoid spooking fish in clear water.
- Angling Practices: Use barbless hooks and keep fish in the water to support native population recovery.
Introduced Competitor (c) Bruce Deagle, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Deagle · cc-by
Competitor (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
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