The Salmon Diet: From Pellets to Natural Feasts
Salmon, these majestic fish, have a fascinating dietary journey that spans both natural and artificial environments. From young hatchlings to mature ocean travelers, their diet transforms dramatically as they navigate their aquatic world. This article delves into the details of what salmon eat at different life stages and the various food sources they encounter in their life cycle.
Young Salmon: A Juvenile Feast
When salmon are young, their diet is a buffet of small, nutritious items. Newly hatched salmon, also known as alevin, consume zooplankton and larval invertebrates. As they grow, they transition to a variety of organisms such as insects, small fish, and worms. This rich diet during their juvenile years is crucial for their development and growth, providing the essential nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
The Ocean's Bounty: Mature Salmon
Upon reaching maturity, typically around 5 to 7 years of age, salmon venture out to the open ocean. Here, their diet becomes more diverse and varied. Salmon in the ocean primarily feed on krill, small fish like herring, squid, hooligan, and smelt. They also consume other smaller fish species and even the eggs of other salmon. This diverse diet helps them maintain their energy and prepare for their finals migration
Return to Freshwater: No More Feasting
The journey of returning to freshwater to spawn is a grueling one, and it comes with a surprising twist: the salmon no longer eat. This is a natural part of their reproductive strategy. Once they start their migration up the rivers to their hatchery area, salmon go on a one-way trip to their breeding grounds. They make this journey without food due to the significant physical exertion involved in the spawning process.
Artificial Feeding: Pellets and More
When commercial salmon farming is involved, their diet shifts towards artificial feeding. These pellets, designed to mimic their natural diet, often include antibiotics and ingredients like carrots to enhance the color of their flesh. Interestingly, these pellets can pass through the digestive system of up to five salmon before being fully consumed. This highlights the efficiency and sustainability of their feeding process within farm environments.
Golden Tips for Bait Fishing and Lure Use
For those fishing with tackle, the choice of bait can make or break your catch. Herring is often the go-to choice because it is both plenty and appealing to salmon. Lures, such as large spoons, plugs, and spinners, also work effectively in the right conditions. Trolling with a downrigger, followed by a leader with fake squid or herring, can yield great results. It's all about finding the right bait and being in the right spot at the right time.
Caring for Farmed Salmon: Locking into the Right Fish Food
Farmed salmon require balanced and high-quality foods to remain healthy and vibrant. Choose dried food in forms like flakes, crisps, pellets, and wafers, but ensure the quality of the ingredients. Reading food labels and ingredients is crucial as it ensures the fish receive the essential nutrients they need. It's a common misconception that salmon need a lot of food to stay active; feeding them once a day around the same time is usually sufficient. This helps maintain their body temperature and energy levels without overloading their digestive systems.
Reflections on Natural vs. Farmed Salmon
The diet of wild and farmed salmon significantly differs, especially in terms of enrichment and variety. Wild salmon that have grown in the natural environment consume a range of tiny organisms and minerals present in water, making them more colorful, energetic, and nutritious. Conversely, farmed salmon that grow in controlled environments often have a more limited diet, which can impact their health and appearance.
Understanding the salmon diet is vital for both anglers and aquaculture practitioners to ensure sustainable and healthy practices.