Sample Detail

The provided charts depict the various stages in the life cycle of the salmon, a type of large fish. Overall, the life cycle of the salmon involves three distinct developmental stages beginning with eggs laid in the upper river and ending with mature fish returning to their original freshwater habitat to reproduce. The entire process takes approximately 10 years and involves an extensive migration through three different aquatic environments, ranging from lower river to the open ocean and back. Firstly, salmon eggs are laid in upper reaches of a river, where the water flows slowly and the environment is surrounded by reeds and small stones, providing essential shelter and protection. These eggs take around 5 to 6 months to hatch into fry, measuring 3 to 8 centimeters in length. Subsequent to this period, the fry gradually grow and become smolt, varying in size from 12 to 15 centimeters in length. During this stage, they migrate to the lower river with faster flow, a process lasting approximately 4 years. Following by this developmental stage, the smolt enter the open ocean, which serves as their primary habitat for the next 5 years to become adult salmon. During this extended oceanic phase, salmon grow significantly, measuring 70 to 76 centimeters, which is nearly ten times larger than the previous stage. Their reproductive stage then begins with the mature salmon returning to their birthplace and laying eggs. The salmon's life start again at the same place where it begins.