Vol. 2 (1978)
Yellowstone Np Report

A Cytogentic Analysis of Cutthroat Trout in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Robert M. Kitchin
University of Wyoming

Published 1978-01-01

Abstract

The cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki, is the trout species native to the Rocky Mountains on both sides of the Continental Divide. The widespread distribution of cutthroat trout in several independent drainages has resulted in the formation of considerable morphological and behavioral diversity both within and between cutthroat trout populations. Behnke has described several different subspecies of Salmo clarki on the basis of their meristic serological characteristics. However, because the genetic basis of these characteristics is unknown, the results of these studies have been inconclusive for the taxonomic designations of cutthroat trout subspecies in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.