Other Common Names:

N/A

State Record:

Not applicable. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has place the greenback cutthroat trout on the Threatened Species List.

Identifying Features:

Greenback cutthoat trout have a few large spots on their body called "parr marks." These are usually concentrated near the tail. They also have red "slash" markings on their gill covering.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 18 inches
Weight: Unknown
Life span: Up to 7 years

Habitat:

The greenback cutthroat trout inhabit the South Platte River, the Arkansas River, and the Colorado River.

Feeding Behavior:

Greenback cutthroat trout feed on aquatic insects and other fish.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Spring
How: The adults display courtship-like behavior and then the female digs a large nest-like depression called a "redd" in gravelly riffles. The adults defend the egg for a period of time.

Did You Know:

Habitat loss and the introductions of non-native trout, such as the rainbow, brook, and brown trout, led to the decline of greenback cutthroat numbers.