Submitted by admin on o Āpereira 22, 2009 - 22:17
SALMON, ATLANTIC
(Salmo salar).
These fish now occur only in Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri and the Waiau River system. Atlantic salmon usually live in the sea, returning to the rivers only to spawn. In New Zealand the Atlantic salmon in Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri mature in the lakes and migrate into the rivers to spawn and are regarded as “land-locked” fish. The Te Anau salmon average only 4 lb, whereas European sea-run salmon average 20 Ib, and may reach 100 lb. Atlantic salmon may be distinguished from trout by their slimmer body, which is more rounded in cross section, and by their less spotted blue back and silvery sides.
by Lawrence James Paul, B.SC., Fisheries Division, Marine Department, Wellington.