There is more food in the ocean, so they grow much faster at sea than they do in freshwater. For most Pacific salmon, being anadromous (spawning in freshwater but spending most of their life in the ocean) seems to be the most successful survival and reproductive strategy. Anadromy allows these fish to grow faster and lay more eggs.
Why do salmon lay so many eggs?
A few kinds of fish keep their eggs inside their bodies, so when they hatch they give birth to live young. Why do female salmon lay so many eggs? Fish lay a large number of eggs because only a few of them, out of thousands, will be fertilized and produce a fish.
Why do fish lay so many eggs?
Fish lay a large number of eggs because only a few of them, out of thousands, will be fertilized and produce a fish. This is because they are fertilized outside of the body and are highly sensitive to temperature changes and external factors.
Why do salmon lay their eggs upstream?
As we mentioned earlier, the biggest reason salmon lay their eggs upstream is to protect them from washing away in the ocean and from predators. Salmon have learned that many more of their eggs will survive longer if they are in a habitat that protects them. A small stream far away from the ocean is perfect for this.
This is because they are fertilized outside of the body and are highly sensitive to temperature changes and external factors. Female salmon, for instance, will lay anywhere from 1,500 eggs to about 10,000 at one time. Among these eggs, only around 10 will successfully spawn salmon.
How does fertilization occur in salmon?
(GA image) Fertilization occurs as the salmon eggs and milt mix. The fertilized egg then settles into the redd (just below grade so that the flow of the stream does not move the fertilized egg). The pair moves upstream and repeats the process.