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Diet
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The diet of the salmon depends on the the species, location and age of the fish. When the salmon lives in fresh water, it eats zooplankton, tiny invertebrates and insects, as well as aquatic plants. When the salmon migrates to the ocean its diet changes. The fish may still eat zooplankton but also eats smaller fish and insects. Some species have been known to eat shrimp and crabs as well.
Birth
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Salmon lay their eggs in freshwater, most returning to the same place they were born. This has been confirmed through several studies. Once the fish hatch, they remain in fresh water for six months to three years. Only 10 percent of salmon survive past this stage. The salmon's body chemistry then changes and they migrate to salt water.
Salmon as Food
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Salmon is rich in protein with high omega-3 and vitamin D content. This makes them one of the most nutritious fish to eat. Most Atlantic salmon are farmed, while the majority of Pacific salmon are caught. The color of the flesh ranges from orange to red, but can also be white. Smoked salmon can be eaten hot or cold. Salmon can also be cured and eaten cold. Raw salmon can contain parasites. Raw salmon is used in types of sushi.
Mythology
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The salmon is regarded as an important animal in Celtic, Welsh, Norse and Native American mythology. In Celtic mythology, the salmon symbolizes wisdom and is even called the salmon of knowledge in the story "The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn." In Welsh mythology, the salmon is the oldest animal. In Norse mythology, the God Loki jumped into a river to escape punishment but was caught by the tail. The Haida and Nootka bands on the Pacific coast revere the salmon as a sacred animal.
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Fun Facts About Kinds of Salmon Fish
Salmon are a large fish born and spawn in fresh water, but spend most of their lives at sea along the coast. Salmon are considered a delicacy by many, and they are also a popular sport fish. There are eight main species of salmon: Atlantic, sockeye, chu, coastal cutthroat trout, chinook, coho, steelhead and pink.