 
Atlantic Salmon
PHOTO: www.saumon-fqsa.qc.ca ©
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), probably the best-known member of the Salmonidae family, is found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In Canada, Atlantic salmon are found in some 300 rivers from Ungava Bay southward along the Labrador coast to Québec and the Maritimes. The anadromous species swims up five regional rivers for spawning, including the Sainte-Marguerite River.
Atlantic salmon are renowned for leaping in their attempts to ascend waterfalls to reach spawning grounds. A very high percentage of salmon return to their natal streams to spawn. Spawning occurs in autumn and the large eggs overwinter buried in sand. Young spend 1-3 years in the river before going to sea as "smolts". Not all Atlantic salmon die after spawning and some spawn more than once. (Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia)
Back to Fauna and Flora
|
