Non-avian specimen (Cutthroat Trout)

The specimen is a Salmonid fish. It features a sleek body designed for swimming, a broad tail for propulsion, and distinct spotting. It lacks all avian characteristics such as a beak, feathers, or wings.

Golden-yellow/olive body, heavy black spotting concentrated toward the tail, and distinctive red/orange slashes under the lower jaw (cutthroat marks).

N/A - The specimen has leptoid (ctenoid or cycloid) scales and soft rayed fins.

Smooth, slimy/mucus-covered for hydrodynamics; scales are present but provide a different texture than avian keratin.

Red throat slashes, numerous small black spots on a yellow/olive background, presence of an adipose fin.

Cold, clear freshwater streams, rivers, and high-altitude lakes with gravel bottoms.

Western North America, ranging from the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin to the Pacific Coast and Alaska.

Apex predator in freshwater ecosystems; feeds on aquatic insects and smaller fish; sensitive indicator of water quality.

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which lacks the red throat slashes and has more uniform spotting.

Cutthroat trout were the first trout species ever recorded by Europeans in the New World (Coronado expedition, 1541).

Specimen appears freshly caught; vibrant coloration and intact fins indicate good health.