rhamphotheca:

Seven species of salmonids:

Five Pacific salmon and two trout—inhabit the rivers and streams of the Pacific Northwest. (Their North American ranges are indicated.) Although these fish share certain fundamental characteristics, the differences among them are numerous, both in behavioral traits and in appearance, as is evident from this rendition of spawning males. As the authors explain, conservation efforts aimed at protecting salmon often overlook the importance of preserving this biodiversity and focus instead on boosting the total numbers of fish.

(via: American Scientist)      (artist: Emma Skurnick)