Salmon Life Cycle (continued)

SMOLT STAGE:
The smolt stage is a dramatic moment in the salmon's life. At this point the fish has migrated to the coastal estuaries and is busily adapting to the physiological changes it must undergo to survive in a saltwater environment. The mortality rate at this stage is 50-100% in captivity. Considering the incredible amount of danger salmon must face to make it all the way to the sea, it's a miracle any do.

OCEAN STAGE:
The salmon head straight for their hereditary feeding grounds and live in large, loose schools. They stay here for 1-5 years, depending on the species. They face many hazards from hungry predators. When the time comes they return to the streams where their life began. At this point they quit eating and begin to live off their fat reserves as they prepare to spawn.

SPAWNING STAGE:
After a long difficult journey upstream to the spawning grounds, the brave males stand guard while the females dig nests, called redds, under cold and fast-flowing water. Females lay thousands of eggs of which 1-10 survive to maturity. After the males spread the redds with sperm also called milt, the female covers the nest of eggs with loose gravel. After this stage most salmon die, their purpose in existence being fulfilled. Atlantic salmon and steelheads, however, may survive to spawn again.

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INTERACT: INTERNAL
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External Anatomy
Dissection Game Salmon ID Game