Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Description
To 4'5" (1.3 m); 79 1/8 lbs (35.9
kg). Elongate, moderately compressed; adults brownish above, sides
silvery, with numerous small, black spots, sometimes X-shaped,
without halos, on head, body, and dorsal fin; males have red patches
on sides; young specimens have about 11 dusky bars. Head large,
depth about one-fifth length; maxilla reaches past eye; lower jaw
upward-hooked in breeding males. Pectoral fins inserted well below
axis of body; dorsal fin short-based, at midpoint of body; adipose
fin present; caudal fin slightly forked or emarginate.
Endangered Status
The Atlantic Salmon is on the
U.S. Endangered Species List. The Atlantic Salmon population known
"the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment" is classified as
endangered. This includes naturally reproducing wild populations and
river-specific hatchery populations found north of and including
tributaries of the lower Kennebec River to, but not including, the
mouth of the St. Croix River at the U.S.-Canada border. Overfishing,
disease, and the introduction of hatchery fishes plague efforts to
save the Gulf of Maine salmon, the last known naturally reproducing
wild Atlantic Salmon population in the U.S. Under the Endangered
Species Act it is now illegal to take salmon from any of the
population's designated waterways. Three diseases affecting these
fish have been identified and are being studied. Additionally, the
escape of hatchery-bred fishes into the wild salmon's range is being
looked into. A group of interested parties, including officials of
the state of Maine, Native American groups, and conservation
organizations, is drafting a plan to save this valuable resource
from extinction.
Habitat
Coastal waters; freshwater streams and
lakes.
Range
Native in N. Atlantic from Arctic Circle,
N. Quebec south to Delaware River; Lake Ontario. Landlocked
populations in several New England states.
Discussion
This anadromous species spawns in the
fall in high gradient streams over gravel. After spawning, the fish
are weak and emaciated but do not necessarily die like some other
salmonid species. The Atlantic Salmon is a well-known and highly
valued food and game fish. Specimens as large as 40 to 50 lbs (18.1
to 22.7 kg) are unusual in the Atlantic; most weigh much
less.
Other Salmon Information
