10 Amazing Facts About Salmon That You Need To Know

We all know that salmon is a very popular seafood choice. Actually, they are one of the most resilient and fascinating creatures in our oceans and rivers. Known for their incredible migratory journeys, their significant contribution in the health of our ecosystems, their ability to live in both salt and fresh water, their mysterious knack for finding their way back to their exact birthplace, the life of a salmon is full of surprises.

Here are 10 amazing facts about salmon that reveal the true complexity of these aquatic icons:

1. Salmon are attracted to both salt and water

Salmon are known for their anadromous lifecycle. They are born in freshwater, migrate to the saltwater ocean to mature, and eventually return to the freshwater to spawn which makes them capable of surviving in both water settings.

2. Salmon return to their birth place

Salmon possess an extraordinary ability to return to the exact stream where they were born to spawn. It was stated that salmon often use their keen sense of smell to navigate and go back where they came from. On the other hand, although they do not have ears, salmon detect low-frequency vibrations through their sensory pores called “lateral lines” to help navigate vast ocean distances.

3. Salmon color change in time

On salmon lifespan, they can have three diverse colors. For example, is the sockeye salmon that are born light-colored and speckled, that would change into silvery-blue as they became adult, but turn bright red with green heads when they are ready to spawn and return to freshwater.

4. Salmon provides essential nutrients to the ecosystem

Dead salmon are vital to the ecosystem as they provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to forests and wildlife, such as bears and eagles.

On the other hand, salmon is known as a nutritional powerhouse for human health as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and high-quality protein which support the heart, brain, and bone health.

5. Female salmon can carry over 4,000 eggs

A female salmon can produce over 1,500 to 10,000 eggs. However, only 10 of these eggs will develop into adult salmon. On average, one parent salmon can grow one adult.

6. Salmon can grow up to 6ft long

The king salmon is known as the largest and most priced salmon. It can grow up to 6ft long, weighing 100 pounds. Meanwhile, pink salmon are the tiniest that can grow up only 30 inches long and weigh up to 12 lbs. In ancient history, it was recorded that some species of salmon can grow up to 10ft long and weigh 500 pounds.

7. Salmon perish after they spawn

When salmon return to fresh water, they use all of their energy in traveling, constructing a nest and producing eggs. After they spawn, they do not have enough energy to eat and return to salt water. So, salmon will just stay in the fresh water until they are eaten by the predators or until they decay.

8. Predators in the ocean are confused by the school of salmon.

When salmon congregate in a school in the ocean, their shiny sides that come together confuse their predators in the ocean and cause them to be mistaken for a single enormous predator.

9. Salmon jump vertically

Some salmon have to swim up rivers to get back to their natural spawning grounds. They jump their way through waterfalls and rapids up to 3.65m or 12ft.

10. The Zombie Salmon

Decaying salmon that are on the verge of death is called zombie salmon. They are the salmon that use all of their energy to spawn, and spend their remaining lifetime on their home ground. They are called zombie salmon because of their relevant similarity with zombies in the movies that have decaying flesh, sharp teeth, and hooked noses.

These are the 10 Facts that you should know about Salmon. Their life cycle is a grueling yet beautiful statement to nature’s resilience, and their perseverance to fuel their future generation. Understanding these ten facts reveals that salmon are true ecological icons, bridging the gap between the vast ocean and the heart of our inland ecosystems. By appreciating the complexity of their journey, we can value the importance of protecting the waters they call home.

#FishtaForEveryFilipino #FishtaSeafood #FactsAboutSalmon