The Colorado Pikeminnow: Utah's Endangered Water Monster

The Colorado Pikeminnow is the water monster that every Salt Lake angler should know about. This fish is the largest species of minnow in North America and can only be found in the Colorado River Basin. It’s also endangered. Here’s some information on what’s being done towards their conservation and how you can help, too.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation officials have built fish-passing structures in the river basin specifically where human activity and the needs of the Colorado Pikeminnow might be in conflict. It allows the fish to navigate barriers — like dams or levees — in order to migrate and complete their life cycle.

Don’t Ditch Your Goldfish

If you want to get rid of your live pet goldfish, don’t release it into the wild. It can put fish like the Colorado Pikeminnow at risk. It can also harm other native species and our ecosystem. Instead, contact your local aquarium store. Most will take fish back.