The Life of a Salmon

By: Sean Ruckman

The Beginning

Salmon eggs are commonly laid in streams that are from 10 to 700 miles away from the ocean. These eggs are laid in the fall and incubate over the winter.

                   

The Fry

After the salmon eggs hatch, they begin to mature into fry. They then begin to develop vertical bars called parr marks. These marks help to keep the young salmon camouflaged from predators.

Becoming a Smolt As the fry begin to grow,

they start to migrate downstream towards the ocean. On their way, they experience many changes that some might call puberty. They start to change color into a silvery color and are able to breathe in salt water. These changes are crucial to their survival.

It Begins Again The salmon has finally

became an adult. When it is time to lay the eggs, the salmon will swim back to the stream where they were born and lay the eggs there. After the eggs are laid, the salmon will swim back to the ocean and the new born salmons will go through the same amazing process.

Special Thanks To

http://www.goldseal.ca/wildsalmon/life_cycle.asp - eggs

http://www.cityofseattle.net/salmon/cycle.htm

and