The Lahontan cutthroat trout, or Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi, has a sad yet inspiring story. A cousin species, the Yellowfin cutthroat trout, has a similar story however is unlikely to have a happy ending. Both are uniquely historic, lake dwelling, extremely sensitive to environmental quality, and have been considered extinct. The Yellowfin continues to be considered extinct, but the Lahontan has been found. It had been decades since a Lahontan had been seen, when researchers in Utah found a small population of an unknown cutthroat species in a remote stream. After genetic testing, it was discovered that these were relics of a nearly forgotten lineage. These small Lahontans have saved their species from the brink. Reintroduced to their homeland, it is now possible to find individuals that exceed 40 lbs. They have regained a foothold in places like Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River.
The Lahontan cutthroat trout, or Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi, has a sad yet inspiring story. A cousin species, the Yellowfin cutthroat trout, has a similar story however is unlikely to have a happy ending. Both are uniquely historic, lake dwelling, extremely sensitive to environmental quality, and have been considered extinct. The Yellowfin continues to be considered extinct, but the Lahontan has been found. It had been decades since a Lahontan had been seen, when researchers in Utah found a small population of an unknown cutthroat species in a remote stream. After genetic testing, it was discovered that these were relics of a nearly forgotten lineage. These small Lahontans have saved their species from the brink. Reintroduced to their homeland, it is now possible to find individuals that exceed 40 lbs. They have regained a foothold in places like Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River.
