What Is The California State Fish?

The California golden trout is the official state freshwater fish of California. It was designated the official status in 1947. The California golden trout is native to the state of California and can be found in several streams including the South Fork Kern River and the Golden Trout Creek. The fish was successfully introduced to isolated rivers and lakes in the state as part of conservation efforts. The native habitat of the trout is located at high elevations with little riparian vegetation and unpolluted waters. The lifespan of the golden trout is about nine years, and they can grow to between 7 and 8 inches. Lake dwelling trouts grow faster and bigger compared to their river and stream counterparts. They reach sexual maturity between three and four years and begin spooning from late spring to early summer. The golden trout was introduced to other states for sportfishing including Montana, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. The trout was unsuccessfully introduced to the high-elevation lakes of Nevada.

California Marine State Fish

The Garibaldi is the official state marine fish of California. It was designated the official status in 1995. The fish is native to the subtropical Pacific Ocean from Guadalupe Island to Monterey Bay. It is the largest of the damselfish family and can be found in the shallow coastline of Mexico and southern California. An adult garibaldi is golden-orange and grows to about 14 inches in length. On sensing disturbance, the Garibaldi produces a thumping sound that can be heard by divers. They are mostly found in depths of up to 98ft especially in water with rocky reefs.The species is of no immediate concern to the IUCN. Healthy populations can be found in marine protected areas in the United States and Mexico.

California State Marine Mammal

The California grey whale is the official state marine mammal of California. It was designated the official status in 1975. The whales have been sighted traveling in groups along the coast of California during the 7000-mile journey from Baja California to the Western Sea Bearing. The marine mammals measures between 35 and 50 feet in length and weight as much as 40 tons. Global warming has reduced the ice caps in the poles causing drastic changes to the feeding grounds of the whales in the Bering Sea.