Salmonidae

Salmonidae is a family of ray-finned fish, the only living family currently placed in the order Salmoniformes. It includes salmon, trout, chars, freshwater whitefishes, and graylings, which collectively are known as the salmonids.

Taxonomy

The family Salmonidae was introduced (as Salmonini) by the French zoologist Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1832. It is placed in the order Salmoniformes and the class Actinopterygii. Robert John Goldstein, Rodney W. Harper and Richard Edwards classified the species of Salmonidae in two subfamilies: Salmoninae and Thymallinae. The latter subfamily consists of a single genus Thymallus.

Characteristics

Salmonids have a relatively primitive appearance among the teleost fish, with the pelvic fins being placed far back, and an adipose fin towards the rear of the back. They are slender fish, with rounded scales and forked tails. Their mouths contain a single row of sharp teeth. Although the smallest species is just 13 cm (5.1 in) long as an adult, most are much larger, with the largest reaching 2 m (6.6 ft).

Distribution and habitat

Salmonids are native to tributaries of the North Atlantic (genus Salmo) and Pacific Ocean (genera Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus). Many species of salmonids have been introduced into non-native environments such as the Great Lakes of North America and Patagonia in South America. Various species of salmonids are popular in aquaculture, and farmed salmonids are eaten all over the world.

Life cycle

Salmonids usually spawn in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, then return to fresh water to reproduce. However, there are rare species that can only survive in fresh water habitats. This is a process known as anadromy.

Conservation

Many species of salmonids are endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution.

See also

• Salmon
• Trout
• Char
• Freshwater whitefish
• Grayling

References

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