THE SALMON FAMILY. 35 



THE SALMON FAMILY. 



OF all the families of fishes, the one most inter- 

 esting from almost every point of view is 

 that of the Salinonidce, the Salmon family. As 

 now restricted, it is not one of the largest families, 

 as it comprises less than a hundred species; but in 

 beauty, activity, gaminess, quality as food, and 

 even in size of individuals, different members of 

 the group stand easily with the first among fishes. 

 The following are the chief external characteristics 

 which are common to the members of the family 

 as here understood ; the Argcntinidce and the Sa- 

 langidce, usually included with them, being here 

 placed in separate groups : — 



Body oblong or moderately elongate, covered 

 with cycloid scales of varying size. Head naked. 

 Mouth terminal or somewhat inferior, varying con- 

 siderably among the different species, those having 

 the mouth largest usually having also the strongest 

 teeth. Maxillary provided with a supplemental 

 bone, and forming the lateral margin of the upper 

 jaw. Pseudobranchiae present. Gill-rakers vary- 

 ing with the species. Opercula complete. No 

 barbels. Dorsal fin of moderate length, placed 

 ,near the middle of the length of the body. Adi- 

 pose fin well developed. Caudal fin forked. Anal 

 fin moderate or rather long. Ventral fins nearly 



