Salmon

Salmon are strong fish known for their amazing travels. They are born in rivers and streams. When they grow bigger, they swim to the ocean to live. Later, they come back to the same river where they were born. Salmon are an important food for many animals, including bears and eagles.

Their Big Journey

Salmon can swim thousands of miles in their lives. They use their sense of smell to find the river where they were born. On the way back, they leap up waterfalls and fight strong currents. This long trip is called a migration. After they lay eggs, many salmon die.

Colors and Kinds

There are several kinds of salmon, like chinook, sockeye, and coho. Most salmon are silver when they live in the ocean. When they return to rivers, their bodies turn red, green, or pink. This color change helps them attract mates. Salmon meat is often pink because of what they eat.

Fun Facts

• Salmon can jump more than 6 feet in the air.
• A female salmon can lay thousands of eggs at once.
• Bears can catch salmon right out of the water.

Did You Know?

Baby salmon are called fry. They stay in fresh water for months or years before heading to the sea.