Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Also known as: Salmon, King of Fish
Atlantic Salmon is one of the most prized fish in the world, both for sport fishing and as a food source. These remarkable fish are anadromous, born in freshwater, migrating to the ocean, and returning to their birth rivers to spawn.
Max Size
4.5 feet (1.4 m)
Lifespan
4-6 years
Depth
0-200 meters
Water Type
freshwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Salmoniformes
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Species
- Salmo salar
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Distribution
Behavior
Atlantic salmon undergo dramatic life changes, from freshwater juveniles (parr) to ocean-going smolts, then to adult fish that return to spawn. They navigate using a combination of magnetic fields, sun position, and chemical cues from their home river.
Reproduction
Females dig nests called redds in gravel riverbeds where they deposit eggs. Males compete for the right to fertilize eggs. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon can survive spawning and may return to spawn multiple times.
Conservation Status
Main Threats
- Overfishing
- Habitat loss
- Dams
- Pollution
- Climate change
🎉 Fun Facts
- Salmon can jump up to 12 feet high to navigate waterfalls
- They use Earth's magnetic field to navigate back to their birth river
- Their flesh gets its pink color from eating krill and shrimp
- Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon can survive spawning and return to sea
- They can travel up to 2,500 miles during migration
