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 diagram illustrates the development of salmon from egg through their life cycle, which is also considered a significant species.

Overall, it is evident that the life cycle of this species begins with the adult fish traveling to the upper river to lay eggs under stones surrounded by river reeds. This process lasts for five to six months and concludes in the open sea, where they become adults over a period of five years.

In more detail, adult fish swim to the upper part of the river, where the current is slow, to lay their eggs under stones covered by reeds. This incubation period lasts for approximately four to five months before the fry hatch.

Once the fry are born, measuring between 3 to 8 cm in length, they migrate towards the faster currents of the lower river, where they spend about four years growing into smolts that reach sizes of 12 to 15 cm.

Finally, the fully grown smolts make their way to the open ocean, taking an additional five years to develop into adult salmon, measuring around 70 to 76 cm in length. After reaching maturity, these adult salmon return to the upper river area to spawn and repeat the cycle.