Osmeriformes

The Osmeriformes /ɒsˈmɛrɪfɔːrmiːz/ are an order of ray-finned fish. It includes the true or freshwater smelts and allies, such as the galaxiids and noodlefishes; they are also called osmeriforms. They belong to the teleost superorder Protacanthopterygii, which also includes pike and salmon etc.

Osmeriformes
Delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus
(Osmeroidei: Osmeridae)
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Superorder: Osmeromorpha
Order: Osmeriformes
Type species
Osmerus eperlanus
Suborders
  •  ?†Spaniodontidae
  • Retropinnidae
  • Osmeridae
  • Plecoglossidae
  • Salangidae

Naming

The order's name means "smelt-shaped", from Osmerus (the type genus) + the standard fish order suffix "-formes".

It derives from Ancient Greek osmé (ὀσμή, "pungent smell") + Latin forma ("external form"), the former in reference to the characteristic aroma of the flesh of Osmerus.

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