Egg/Alevin
This is the term for the fertilized eggs of Atlantic salmon, which are deposited in riverbed gravel in late autumn.
Eggs
True or False: The Fry stage takes place in saltwater.
False! The Fry stage takes place in freshwater. Smolting is when it is in saltwater.
What are vertical dark stripes or parr marks?
During the parr stage, Atlantic salmon develop these distinctive markings on their bodies, which help them camouflage in freshwater environments.
This term describes the transformation process where young Atlantic salmon adapt from freshwater to seawater environments.
Smoltification
This term describes the process by which adult Atlantic salmon return to their natal rivers to reproduce.
Homing
During this stage, Atlantic salmon hatch from their eggs and remain hidden in the gravel, feeding from their attached yolk sac.
Alevin stage
At this stage of development, Atlantic salmon are called fry, and they primarily rely on these structures for nourishment before transitioning to more active feeding.
What are yolk sacs
Where does Parr happen?
Known as the parr stage, typically occurs in these types of freshwater environments before they migrate to the ocean in rivers or streams.
Smolts migrate downstream to the ocean during this time of year
Spring
During this stage, female Atlantic salmon create a nest called a "redd" in the gravel, where they lay their eggs to be fertilized by males.
Spawning
This early developmental stage is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for survival, as it ensures the young salmon are well-nourished and protected before emerging into the more vulnerable fry stage.
Egg and Alevin stages
Why is monitoring fry survival essential for species conservation and sustainable aquaculture?
It's critical for the long-term health of wild populations and the success of aquaculture. This is why fry are heavily monitored in both natural and farmed environments.
Why is building strength and adapting to freshwater environments important for their eventual transition to the ocean?
The parr stage is vital for Atlantic salmon because it allows them to do this, which prepares them for their eventual migration to the ocean and survival in saltwater environments.
During smoltification, Atlantic salmon lose these distinctive markings, which are replaced by a silvery sheen to camouflage in the ocean.
Parr Marks
Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon have the ability to survive spawning and may return to the ocean to feed and potentially spawn again.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Life Cycle of Atlantic Salmon. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/story/life-cycle-atlantic-salmon
Repeat Spawning
This term refers to the nests in the gravel where female Atlantic salmon lay their eggs.
Redds
What is habitat destruction or river damming?
This human-made threat occurs when rivers and streams are altered, leading to a reduction in the natural habitat and access to freshwater areas where fry Atlantic salmon need to thrive.
True or False: One salmon survival strategy is remaining stationary under rocks it is to conserve energy and avoid predators.
True
Why are parr marks so crucial to this species?
It helps them blend into their riverine environment and evade predators.
Male Atlantic salmon develop this hook-like feature on their lower jaw, which is believed to help them compete for mates.
A Kype
The yolk sac attached to alevins provides nourishment for approximately this many weeks before they begin feeding on external food sources.
6 to 8 weeks
What are predation or natural predators?
This natural threat to fry Atlantic salmon involves the presence of predators, such as birds and larger fish, that can reduce their survival rate during their early stages of life.
Is dam removal help ensure that parr can move freely through rivers.
Yes
This physiological change enables smolts to regulate salt levels in their bodies, allowing them to survive in seawater.
The development of chloride cells in the gills
What is it called when, after spawning, the fertilized eggs remain buried in the gravel until they hatch in the spring, marking the beginning of the next generation's life cycle.
Egg incubation