Identification
Physical appearance and colour vary depending on age and habitat.
Adults
- Medium-sized salmonid, long hydrodynamic body
- Pointed head, well-developed jaw, slightly forked caudal fin (tail)
- In ocean: Lower half silver, upper half brown/green/blue
- In freshwater: Bronze-purple with reddish spots on head and body
Young (parr)
- In freshwater:
- Dark bars on side with red spot between each
Young (smolt)
- Silver, usually 12-15 cm long
Significance
- Valuable source of food
- Significant for traditional, cultural practices
Status
- Endangered (iBoF – Inner Bay of Fundy population) COSEWIC in May 2001 and April 2006
Threats
- Migration barriers such as dams and inadequate culverts
- Habitat degradation from agricultural, forestry, and land development
- Water pollution
- Overfishing
- Invasive species
ANATOMY
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