Salmonidae
by A. N. Svetovidov
Fusiform, small to moderate-sized fishes (to 1.5 m or more), with a usually short dorsal fin at about midpoint of body, pelvic fins below it, a short anal fin and a forked or emarginate caudal fin; no fin spines; small adipose dorsal fin present; a pointed fleshy flap above pelvic fin base. Scales present, usually small, lateral line running along midline of body.
Freshwater or anadromous fishes of northern hemisphere, some confined to rivers or lakes, others ascending rivers to spawn, the young spending one to four years in freshwater before migrating to the sea, where they are pelagic (surface or midwater, rarely near bottom). Feeding rather generalized (surface plankton or bottom-living crustaceans, insects, also small fishes and fry). Spawning commonly in autumn, constructing gravel 'nests' or redds to cover eggs in rivers or lakes (the smaller eggs of whitefishes Coregonus scattered over bottom). Of great economic importance (high-priced flesh, also caviare) and sporting interest. Widely introduced into southern hemisphere.
Genera about 8 or 9 (according to authors); in Clofnam area 5.
Recent revisions: Dorofeeva et al. (1980).