Golden Trout
Oncorhynchus aguabonita
(Salmo aguabonita)
Description
16–20". Elongated, somewhat
compressed. Back brown or olive with black spots; 8–10 gray patches
and red stripe along lateral line; sides golden yellow; belly bright
red. Single triangular dorsal fin and adipose fin small; tail fin
notched, reddish with black spots; pelvic and anal fins reddish with
white tips. Mouth large. Gill covers reddish.
Endangered Status
The Little Kern Golden Trout, a
subspecies of the Golden Trout, is on the U.S. Endangered Species
List. It is classified as threatened in California. The Department
of Fish and Game contributed to the decline of this fish by
introducing other sportfish (Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout) into
its Kern River habitat. The introduced fish hybridized with the
Golden Trout, and the existence of the pure Little Kern Golden Trout
became threatened. Grazing cattle also had an impact, trampling the
streambanks and reducing necessary vegetation. The Fish and Game
department quickly took measures to reverse the decline, removing
the non-native trout and reestablishing habitat. The Little Kern
Golden Trout has now been restored to all of its historical
range.
