Band 8+: 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 provided diagrams illustrate the life cycle of a species known as salmon. Overall, there are three stages in this process, starting with salmon fry and culminating in the adult salmon phase.

To begin, there are reeds with small stones in the river where salmon eggs are found. These salmon eggs are located among the roots of the reeds. At the same time, the reeds gently sway in the current of the upper river. After approximately 5 to 6 months, the salmon eggs hatch into fry, which measure between 3 and 8 centimeters in length.

Following this, the fry migrate to the lower river, which has a fast flow. They remain there for about 4 years to grow. In the next stage, the fry develop into a further stage of fish called smolt, which range from 12 to 15 centimeters in length. The smolts then migrate to the open sea.

After spending about 5 years in the ocean, they grow to over 73 centimeters and become adult salmon. Finally, adult salmon return to their original spawning grounds to lay their eggs, continuing the life cycle.