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 diagram illustrates the metamorphosis that belongs to the large fish type called the salmon.

As can be seen, the process comprises 3 main stages, originating with salmon eggs being left under the waterbed of the upper-river, and culminating with the adult individuals travelling back to their birthplace to lay eggs again, creating a cyclical process.

Firstly, the incubation of salmon eggs begins amongst reeds and pebbles in order to protect them from predators. Following this step, the eggs then hatch into juvenile individuals called “fry”, measuring from 3 to 8 centimeters. Then, the fish swim to a lower altitude for further growth, which is situated beneath a fast-flowing waterfall. Furthermore, the fish spend roughly the next 4 years there to flourish. Here, the fish transform into larger animals called “smolt”, whose length ranges from 12 to 15 centimeters.

After that, the “smolt” then swims into the open sea and then stays there for approximately 5 years. In the ocean, the “smolt” gradually develops into the adult salmon, whose length is around 70 to 76 centimeters. Last but not least, the adult salmon swims back to the upper river to lay eggs, prompting an endless sequence.