Common Name:
Atlantic salmon
Scientific Name:
Salmo salar
Unique Qualities:
The Atlantic salmon, ‘the leaper’, has been called the king of fish because of their spectacular ability to jump. They have a pointed head and long body that can measure 150 cm in length. Adults are usually a silvery gray colour with some black spots.
Can be Seen:
Atlantic salmon can be seen in the rivers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that drain into the Minas Basin and Chignecto Bay. After they go to sea, they remain in the Bay of Fundy.
Likes to Hang Out:
The Atlantic salmon likes to hang out in cool freshwater free from chemical or organic pollution. They like natural stream channels with a gravelly bottom and water temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius in the summer.
Likes to Eat:
Atlantic salmons eat mainly crustaceans, insects and small fish.
Status:
The population of Atlantic salmon has declined by about 80% due to pollution and habitat destruction by humans. At one point there were 40,000 adults in the water, but have declined to less than 500 in 1998 and less than 250 in 1999.
