Colorado squawfish

Illustration by Kent Pendleton. Courtesy of Colorado Division of Wildlife. Colorado Outdoors, May-June, 1975.

The Colorado squawfish is the largest minnow native to North America, with larger fish historically attaining lengths of 5 to 6 feet and weights of 60 to 80 pounds.

It is restricted to larger rivers of the Colorado River basin.

Once, Colorado squawfish were so abundant throughout the basin that they were commercially harvested; today, wild populations are limited to rivers in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

With its large mouth and torpedo-shaped body, the Colorado squawfish is an efficient predator on other fishes.

In summer, breeding adults migrate long distances (as much as 200 miles) to reach spawning sites.

Maximum length: 36-48 inches.

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