Gila trout

Species of fish

Oncorhynchus gilae
Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae)
Oncorhynchus gilae
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Oncorhynchus
Species	gilae
Binomial name	Oncorhynchus gilae
Binomial authority
Synonyms

The Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) is a species of freshwater fish in the salmon family, native to the southwestern United States. It is one of the rarest trout species and is found primarily in the headwaters of the Gila River in New Mexico and Arizona.

Description

Gila trout in its natural habitat

The Gila trout is characterized by its golden body with a slight iridescent sheen, and it typically has small black spots scattered across its back and sides. The fish can grow to a length of about 30 cm (12 inches) and weigh up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs). The dorsal fin is usually marked with a white or yellowish tip, and the tail fin is slightly forked.

Habitat

Gila trout inhabit cool, clear mountain streams with rocky substrates. These streams are often located in remote, forested areas at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,700 meters (5,000 to 9,000 feet). The fish prefer habitats with abundant cover, such as undercut banks, overhanging vegetation, and submerged logs.

Diet

The diet of the Gila trout consists primarily of aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. They also consume terrestrial insects that fall into the water, as well as small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Conservation

The Gila trout was listed as an endangered species in 1967 due to habitat loss, overfishing, and competition with non-native species such as the rainbow trout. Conservation efforts have included habitat restoration, removal of non-native species, and the establishment of protected areas. In 2006, the species was downlisted to threatened, reflecting the success of these efforts.

Reproduction

Gila trout spawn in the spring, typically from March to June, depending on water temperature and flow conditions. Females create nests, or redds, in gravel beds where they lay their eggs. After fertilization by the male, the eggs hatch in about four to six weeks. The fry remain in the gravel for several more weeks before emerging to begin feeding.

Related pages

• Apache trout
• Rainbow trout
• Cutthroat trout