Are Salmon Freshwater Fish?

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Salmon are one of few species that are both freshwater and saltwater fish!

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They are born in freshwater, spend most of their lives in saltwater, and then return to freshwater for spawning.

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The amount of time the young salmon spend in their natal rivers varies from species to species. 

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Some salmon types, like the pink salmon, leave their freshwater birthplace almost immediately. 

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Others, like the Atlantic or sockeye salmon, can remain in in their natal rivers for up to 4 years before heading out to the ocean. 

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Similarly, the time the salmon spend in saltwater will also differ!

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While coho and pink salmon remain in saltwater for only 18 months or so...

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...Chum and king salmon may stay in the ocean for up to 8 years before returning to their freshwater spawning grounds. 

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Get even more interesting facts on the salmon's salt and freshwater life cycle via the article below! 

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