The Systematics of Salmonid Fishes of Recently Glaciated Lakes

Abstract

The systematics of the subfamilies Salmoninae and Coregoninae of recently glaciated regions are reviewed. Interrelation between systematics and fisheries biology are stressed, pointing out the abundance of intraspecific genetic diversity of some salmonid fishes manifested in ecological and behavioral specializations, but not necessarily by morphological divergence. Innate, reproductive homing behavior of salmonid fishes may allow closely related populations to exist in sympatry and maintain reproductive isolation. Examples are cited to support the contention that many sympatric "sibling species" have evolved from a common ancestor in postglacial times. Closely related, sympatric populations are a major taxonomic problem, but this phenomenon which allows a species to consist of genetically discrete units with reproductive isolation between the stocks is of great significance for fisheries management. Postglacial salmonid communities are typically fragile and highly susceptible to disruption or destruction by introductions, eutrophication, and exploitation. Every effort should be made to protect the genetic diversity of a species.