Juvenile salmon (parr and smolt) feed on insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates in freshwater streams and rivers.
Adult salmon that have migrated to the ocean feed on a variety of fish, squid, krill, and other small marine organisms. Some species of salmon, such as the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), are also known to eat other salmon, including smaller pink and chum salmon.
During their spawning migration, adult salmon stop eating and rely on their stored body fat for energy. They may lose up to 50% of their body weight during this time.
Here are some specific examples of what different species of salmon eat:
* Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Juveniles feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in freshwater streams and rivers. Adults feed on fish, squid, krill, and other small marine organisms in the ocean.
* Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): Juveniles feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in freshwater streams and rivers. Adults feed on fish, squid, krill, and other small marine organisms in the ocean.
* Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): Juveniles feed on zooplankton and small fish in freshwater lakes and rivers. Adults feed on plankton and small fish in the ocean.
* Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha): Juveniles feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in freshwater streams and rivers. Adults feed on plankton and small fish in the ocean.
* Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta): Juveniles feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in freshwater streams and rivers. Adults feed on fish, squid, krill, and other small marine organisms in the ocean.
Salmon are an important part of the food web in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. They provide food for a variety of other animals, including bears, eagles, seals, and whales.