Salminus

Salminus, popularly known as dorado or dourado, is a genus of relatively large, up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) long, predatory freshwater fish from the Characidae family. They are native to large tropical and subtropical rivers in South America, and undertake migrations during the rainy season to spawn.^[1] They are very popular among recreational anglers and also supports important commercial fisheries.^[1]

Species

Significant taxonomic confusion has surrounded this genus, and until a review in 1990, several additional species were recognised (most of these are junior synonyms of S. brasiliensis).^[2] Although known for more than 150 years, S. franciscanus was only scientifically described in 2007.^[1] Today four species are recognised:^[3]

• Salminus affinis Steindachner, 1880 – Santiago and Magdalena basins in Ecuador and Colombia.
• Salminus brasiliensis (G. Cuvier, 1816) (Dorado/Golden dorado) – Paraguay, Uruguay, Chapare and Mamoré basins, and drainage of the Lagoa dos Patos.
• Salminus franciscanus F. C. T. Lima & Britski, 2007 – São Francisco basin.
• Salminus hilarii Valenciennes, 1850 – upper Paraná, Amazon and Orinoco basins.

References