The Osmeriformes are an order of ray-finned fish that includes the true or freshwater smelts and allies, such as the galaxiids and noodlefishes; they are also collectively called osmeriforms. They belong to the teleost superorder Protacanthopterygii, which also includes pike and salmon, among others. The order's name means "smelt-shaped", from "Osmerus" (the type genus) + the standard fish order suffix "-formes". It ultimately 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".