Rainbows vs steelhead

[Twocoda]

So long as the two populations (oceanic and landlocked) can produce fertile offspring they are considered a single species. They will get a subspecies name to differentiate the two.

 

 

so wouldnt "central salmon" be a more appropriate name as opposed to" atlantic salmon" for the freshwater self sustaining fish ?? (above Niagra)

[danjang]

so wouldnt "central salmon" be a more appropriate name as opposed to" atlantic salmon" for the freshwater self sustaining fish ?? (above Niagra)

 

Sure! The thing is, taxonomy isn't perfect. When two populations diverge enough to have separate subspecies is really what the general consensus is. If a taxonomist writes a paper to advocate for the central salmon and most people agree, a new subspecies arises. But this is fairly rare. Take a look at dogs. Chihuahuas and great danes are completely different. One's a real dog and the other... a rat but its all the same thing.

[carll2]

id have to say its possible that a lake ontario salmon or rainbow migrates far, as an example certain places around here in montreal in the fall catch some salmon and steelhead....anything is possible