A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ATLANTIC SALMON, SALMO SALAR LINNAEUS , AND THE LAKE SALMON, SALMO SALAR SEBAGO (GIRARD)

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Research
• Main Author: Wilder, D. G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1947
• Subjects: Pharmacology (medical); Complementary and alternative medicine; Pharmaceutical Science; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjr47d-013; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/cjr47d-013

Twenty-six body measurements and counts were made on the majority of 381 specimens of lake and Atlantic salmon. Adult lake and Atlantic salmon generally differ in coloration, spotting, and flesh color. Evidence is presented that indicates that these differences are not inherent but result from differences in the environment and diet. In the parr and in the spawning adult stages no consistent differences in body measurements could be demonstrated. Non-spawning adult lake salmon tend to have larger head parts and longer fins than fresh-run Atlantic salmon grilse. These differences are associated with a slower growth rate, maturation at smaller sizes, and a more pronounced retention of the secondary sexual characteristics in the lake salmon. The average counts for certain meristic structures tend to increase with increase in length. When lake and Atlantic salmon of approximately the same size were compared no consistent differences in these meristic characters could be demonstrated. Lake and Atlantic salmon may be inherently different with respect to migratory behavior but the evidence available to date fails to establish such a difference.