The Golden Trout is native only to California and became the
official state fish in 1947. Isolated by geography, the vibrantly
colored fish evolved unique features that allow it to thrive in
the high-altitude streams of the Kern Plateau.
The Desert Tortoise has been the official state reptile since
1972. This herbivore, which has existed almost unchanged for
millions of years, is an endangered species and lives in
California’s southeastern deserts.
The California Dogface Butterfly became the state insect in 1972.
The name comes from a wing pattern resembling a dog’s head on the
male of the species. This butterfly lives only in California.
The California Gray Whale was adopted in 1975. The mighty
California Gray Whale travels in groups called “pods” off the
Pacific coast each winter and spring. Gray Whales are 30 to 50
feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons.
