Band 9: The diagrams show the life cycle of a species of large fish called the salmon. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. To zoom in, click on the image.

The pictures depict the life cycle of a salmon, from eggs to adulthood. Overall, the growth period of salmon includes three main stages. It is clear that salmon inhabit different areas throughout their life, starting in the upper river and ending in the open sea.

Initially, salmon eggs are laid under reeds and among small stones. They remain in this stage for about five to six months in the slowly flowing upper river. After hatching, the young fish, known as fry, measure between three to eight centimeters.

In the next stage, the young salmon continue their development in the lower river, where the water flows faster than in their previous habitat. They spend roughly four years in this environment, growing to twelve to fifteen centimeters and transforming into smolt during this period.

Finally, upon reaching maturity, their journey concludes in the open sea. Here, the adult salmon live for approximately five years and grow from seventy to seventy-six centimeters.