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What is a Salmon?
The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) is an anadromus migratory fish found in the temperate and arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
What does anadromus mean?
The Atlantic salmon is referred to as being anadromus because of its habit of migrating from the sea into fresh waters to spawn.
Is there just one species of Salmon ?
There is just one species of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) but there are six species of Pacific Salmon : Pink, Chum, Chinook, Coho, Sockeye and Masau.
How big can a Salmon Grow ?
Atlantic Salmon can grow to a very large size. One of the largest caught in the West of Ireland weighed 29Kg (64lb).
How do Salmon Navigate ?
Salmon navigation is one of the marvels of nature. While the full answer is not clear a number of mechanisms may guide the Salmon at sea. These include guidance by the stars, receptors sensitive to the earth's magnetic field. Ocean currents may also play an important role. Near the coast and in the rivers the Salmon is guided by a chemical memory which directs them to the spawning places.
Do Salmon always return to their own river ?
Yes. While a few stray to other rivers the vast majority return to their native river.
Can Male and Female Salmon easily be identified ?
When they arrive fresh from the sea it is difficult to distinguish the sex of the Salmon externally. Later the head of the male becomes elongated and grows a "Hook" on the tip of the lower jaw. At this stage they are easily identifiable.
Do all Salmon die after spawning ?
About 90 - 95% of all Atlantic Salmon die following the first spawning, but some survive to spawn two or three times. The survivors, predominantly female, return to sea to feed between spawnings.
How many eggs does an Atlantic Salmon deposit ?
Female Salmon produce 450 - 700 eggs per pound of body weight.
Where are the eggs deposited ?
The eggs are laid in depressions called "redds " dug by the female Salmon in the gravel of the river bottom. After the eggs are deposited they are immediately fertilised by an accompanying male and then covered with gravel by the female.
How long do young Salmon stay in the river ?
This depends on the water temperature and the availability of food. The length of stay varies from one year to five years.
When do they leave the river ?
The young fish, now called Smolts leave the rivers during the late spring. Most will be gone by June.
Where do they go ?
Smolts are believed to move in Schools along the coast before heading off to deep-sea feeding areas from the Faroes to South-West Greenland.
How long do Salmon stay at sea ?
They remain in the ocean from just over a year to three or four years.
What are Grilse ?
A grilse is an Atlantic Salmon which has spent only one winter at sea before returning to the river.
What are the Salmon's natural enemies ?
At different life stages, the principal predators of Salmon are Gulls Cormorants, Pike, Pollack, Shark, Cod and Seals. Man, is the greatest predator of all.
How High can a Salmon Jump ?
The Highest recorded vertical Salmon jump is 12 Ft. The height the salmon can achieve depends on the depth of the water at the foot of the fall.
What do Salmon feed on in the sea ?
Salmon feed on a variety of small fish including Caplelin, Herring, Sand Eels and sprats.
For further information contact...
DECLAN DRONEY
KINVARA SMOKED SALMON LTD., KINVARA, CO. GALWAY, IRELAND
Tel: +353 91 637489 Fax: +353 91 638193
Email: smokedsalmon@eircom.net