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Guide to Life Stages of Pacific Salmon

Learn about the life stages of Pacific salmon, from egg hatching to spawning migration. A fascinating journey into nature! 🐟

Egg stage

  • Appearance: Eggs (roe) 0.6-1.2 cm, colored by carotenoids.
  • Development: Hatched in 6-20 weeks, depends on temperature and species.
  • Ecology: Only 1% survive. Food for fish, birds and insects.

Fry Stage (Alevin)

  • Appearance: Prominent vitelline sacs, 70% of weight.
  • Development: Growth in 2-8 weeks, depends on temperature.
  • Ecology: Fragile, hiding in gravel. Nocturnal prey.

Young Stage (Fry)

  • Appearance: 2.5-5 cm long, with vertical marks (parr marks).
  • Development: Migrate to estuaries or remain in fresh water (1-4 years).
  • Ecology: They feed on plankton, insects and eggs. Prey on birds and fish.

Young Adult Phase (Smolt)

  • Appearance: Silvery color to blend in.
  • Development: Adaptation to salt water in 2-5 months.
  • Ecology: They feed on small fish and crustaceans.

Adult Phase (Ocean)

  • Appearance: Silvery color.
  • Development: Growth in 1-8 years, depends on the species.
  • Ecology: They travel up to 55 km per day. They feed on fish and invertebrates.

Spawning Phase (Spawning)

  • Appearance: Color changes (red, green, brown). Males with elongated jaws.
  • Development: They migrate up to 2,900 km, without eating.
  • Ecology: They die after spawning, fertilizing the ecosystem.

Curiosity

  • Species: 5 types of Pacific salmon: Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, Pink, Chum.
  • Record: Chinook up to 58 cm and 57 kg!
  • Migration: Guided by smell and memories.

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