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Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a species of fish in the family Salmonidae, which is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean and in rivers that flow into the north Atlantic. It has also been introduced into the Pacific Ocean and Southern Australian waters.

Adult salmon feed on squid, eels, amphipods, shrimp and other fish.

Atlantic salmon are considered a prized recreational fish, hunted by fly fishers when they return to freshwater to breed.

Life cycle (in the wild)

Salmon spend the first year of their lives living in rivers and streams before moving to the sea to feed and grow to adulthood. By instinct, they return to the fresh water they were born in to spawn and lay their eggs. Up to half the salmon die as they struggle to swim upstream to return to their place of birth.

The female makes a small depression in the river bed and releases up to 5,00 eggs into this. The eggs are then fertilized by a male salmon. Only about 10% of eggs will survive to reach the smolt stage. When the eggs hatch the fry emerge they feed from nutrients from the large yolk-sac attached to their bodies.

Young salmon are predators, eating tiny invertebrates, but as they mature they may occasionally eat small fishes. They grow into a stage known as Parr after which they are ready to return to the sea.

The Smolt stage is when the young salmon become covered with silvery scales and migrate from fresh water to the sea.

Atlantic Salmon is one of Australia’s most delicious, visually appealing and versatile fish varieties, which makes an excellent ingredient for many types of cuisine. Its texture and flavour means that it can be baked, barbequed, roasted, poached, grilled, steamed or fried with a multitude of flavours, quickly and easily. it can be frozen without affecting its taste or texture.

Salmon is also often smoked. Smoked salmon is a preparation of salmon,using a fillet that has been cured (by adding salt and sugar to the raw fish) and then smoked by allowing smoke from wood like oak to pass over it for several hours. Due to its high price, smoked salmon is considered a delicacy.

Atlantic Salmon is a healthy food, low in calories and cholesterol, and high in protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for healthy hearts and minds.