The Classification and Scientific Names of Rainbow and Cutthroat Trouts

Abstract

Two unambiguous discoveries involving rainbow trout require scientific name changes. First, the rainbow trout has been demonstrated to be the same species as the Kamchatka trout. Second, studies of osteology and biochemistry of trout and salmon show that rainbow and cutthroat trout, and their close relatives, the golden, Mexican golden, Gila, and Apache trouts, are more closely related to Pacific salmons (Oncorhynchus) than to brown trout and Atlantic salmon (Salmo). The different names required by these two discoveries will cause some confusion in communications in which the formal classification is used, so we present evidence to acquaint biologists and managers with the rationale for the changes. The species name of the rainbow trout becomes mykiss, an older Latinized indigenous name of the Kamchatka trout. The generic designation of rainbow and cutthroat trout poses a more subjective problem, involving four possibilities: Salmo, Oncorhynchus, Rhabdofario, and Parasalmo. The balance of evidence indicates to us that the generic name for Pacific trouts and salmons should be Oncorhynchus. We suggest recognition of two divergent sister lineages, (1) Atlantic trout and salmon, and (2) Pacific trouts and salmons, as the genera Salmo and Oncorhynchus, respectively. Alternative generic classifications considered include the following: (a) Enlarge Salmo to include all Atlantic and Pacific trouts and salmons. This would be well supported by morphological and biochemical characters, but would fail to emphasize the distinctions between the Pacific and Atlantic groups. (b) Use a separate generic name, Rhabdofario, for rainbow and cutthroat trout, and their inland relatives. This would be valid, but would fail to recognize the gradation between Pacific trouts and Pacific salmons. (c) Continue to assign Pacific trout to the genus Salmo, separate from Oncorhynchus. This would be stable, but at the expense of evolutionary information in the classification—rainbow and cutthroat trout are on the same branch of evolution as the Pacific salmon. To reflect these biological relationships in the classification of trouts and salmons will contribute to better understanding of their life histories and better predictions for their management.