Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Summary 4
The Atlantic Salmon is an anadromous species of salmon which is found in most of the river systems of Scotland. They spawn in rivers, then the young head out to sea to feed, before returning after at least one year to spawn again. Although little is known about their migration patterns, it is known that they are excellent navigators, with individual populations return to the exact same spawning grounds year after year. They spawn in late autumn and winter, after which a majority of the adults die, however a small number will make it back to the sea and return to spawn again. The Salmon's diet varies throughout its life cycle. The juveniles feed in fresh water on small invertebrates and small fish. The adults feed at sea on sand eels, squid, herring and shrimp. The Salmon is subject to extensive commercial fishery, however farmed salmon is becoming more prevalent and dependence on wild stocks is not as high. Salmon returning after one winter at sea (grilse) are not subject to protection, however larger salmon which have spent more than one winter at sea are protected under British law.
Sources and Credits
- Hartley, William W., no known copyright restrictions (public domain), https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/21431.jpg
- (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Salmo%20salar%2035328.jpg
- (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Salmo%20salar%2035330.jpg
- (c) jrpscott, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
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