Salmon Life Cycle

EGG STAGE:
Eggs are a reddish-orange colour. In fast-flowing streams they're hidden under the gravel to protect them from predators. This incubation period can last for more than 50 days. Colder water means a longer incubation period. At the end of the incubation period, the egg hatches and an alevin comes forth.

ALEVIN STAGE:
Alevins can't swim and are extremely vulnerable to predators. At the alevin stage while they are so small and weak, unable to propel themselves through the water they must rely on their ability to hide under the gravel in the streambed to avoid the danger of being seen and eaten. Their only food source is the yolk sac attached to them. This yolk must last for several weeks.

FRY STAGE:
Once the alevin has absorbed its yolk sac, it is called a fry. These tiny fish are only about one inch long. At this point they are able to swim and have to leave the safety of the gravel streambed and forage for food. Chum and pinks immediately go to sea; chinook wait six months; coho hang around for as long as one year; while sockeye stay for 1-3 years before beginning the journey to the sea.

PARR STAGE:
When the fry grows to 2 inches long, it is called a parr or fingerling. Parr eat voraciously. Because of their small size they continue to be very vulnerable to being devoured by any number of predators.

Next

INTERACT: INTERNAL
LINKS

External Anatomy
Dissection Game Salmon ID Game