What do salmon actually eat?

Salmon are fascinating creatures with a diet that changes dramatically throughout their life cycle. Here's a breakdown of what they eat at different stages:

Fry (newly hatched):

* Zooplankton: Tiny crustaceans and other small organisms found in the water.

* Insects: Larvae, nymphs, and other insects that live in or near the water.

Parr (juveniles):

* Insects: Primarily aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.

* Small fish: Minnows, sculpins, and other small fish.

* Crustaceans: Shrimp, crayfish, and other crustaceans.

Smolt (transitional stage):

* Similar diet to parr, but with an increased focus on fish: As they prepare for their migration to the ocean, smolts become more predatory and consume larger fish.

Adult (ocean-going):

* Fish: They primarily feed on herring, anchovies, capelin, and other small fish.

* Squid: Some species of salmon will also eat squid.

* Crustaceans: Larger crustaceans like krill and crabs can also be part of their diet.

Spawning (returning to freshwater):

* Typically do not eat: Salmon often stop eating during their spawning migration and rely on stored energy reserves.

Interesting Notes:

* Diet varies by species: Different species of salmon have slight variations in their diet depending on their habitat and life cycle.

* Salmon are opportunistic feeders: They will eat whatever is available in their environment.

* Diet plays a role in their health: A healthy diet is crucial for salmon to grow, reproduce, and migrate successfully.

Overall, salmon are carnivores with a diet that adapts to their changing needs throughout their lifecycle. They play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem as both predators and prey.