The diagram illustrates the life cycle of a salmon, detailing its stages, the duration of each phase, and the habitats it occupies throughout its life.
Salmon begin their life cycle as eggs laid by female salmon in freshwater rivers. These eggs are carefully deposited near small stones and beneath reeds in the upper river, where the water flows slowly. This calm environment ensures the eggs remain steady and protected from strong currents, which could cause damage. After approximately five to six months, the eggs hatch into fry, measuring 3 to 8 centimeters. At this stage, they migrate to the fast-flowing lower river, where they continue growing for about four years.
The next stage marks their transition to smolts, young salmon that have grown to a size of 12 to 15 centimeters. During this period, they adapt to saltwater environments and begin migrating to the open sea. In the final stage of their life cycle, salmon mature into adults, reaching a size of 70 to 76 centimeters after spending around five years in the ocean. At maturity, the adult salmon return to their birthplace in the river to spawn, ensuring the continuation of their species.
In summary, the diagram provides a clear depiction of the salmon’s life cycle, highlighting the species’ remarkable journey through different habitats and stages of development to complete its natural process of reproduction.