Bonneville Cutthroat Trout and Similar Species
Oncorhynchus clarkii utah
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Bonneville Cutthroat Trout. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri
Key differences: Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout typically have basibranchial teeth (on the tongue), which Bonneville Cutthroat Trout lack. Their spotting pattern is often more evenly distributed over the body, including the head and anterior flanks, and spots can be larger. Yellowstone Cutthroat also tend to have a more pronounced red/orange coloration on their flanks during spawning.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Key differences: Rainbow Trout lack the distinctive 'cutthroat' markings on the lower jaw. They typically have a pink or red lateral stripe along their sides, which is absent in Bonneville Cutthroat. Their spotting pattern is generally finer and more evenly distributed, and their mouth does not extend as far back as that of cutthroat trout. Hybridization between the two is common, making identification challenging in some areas.
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Key differences: Brown Trout have distinct red and black spots, often with light halos, on their sides and operculum. They lack the cutthroat markings. Their tail fin is typically square or slightly emarginate and often has few or no spots, unlike the heavily spotted tail of cutthroat trout. Brown Trout also have a more robust, less streamlined body shape.
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