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Global Animal Guide

Atlantic Salmon: Key Facts

Silver Atlantic salmon leaping up a rushing river

Quick answer

Atlantic Salmons (Salmo salar) are fishs found across North America, Europe. The fish that swims upriver to spawn. Adults typically weigh 3–15 kg (7–33 lb), reach speeds of Around 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 4–8 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers and coastal waters of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America to Europe.

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Key takeaway

Atlantic Salmons (Salmo salar) are fishs found across North America, Europe. The fish that swims upriver to spawn. Adults typically weigh 3–15 kg (7–33 lb), reach speeds of Around 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 4–8 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers and coastal waters of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America to Europe.

Atlantic Salmon overview

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is an fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 3–15 kg (7–33 lb); lifespan around 4–8 years.

Atlantic Salmon ecology

Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: North Atlantic rivers and ocean. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Atlantic Salmons and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild atlantic salmons are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Atlantic Salmon profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Atlantic Salmon inhabit Rivers and coastal waters of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America to Europe. Their preferred habitat includes north atlantic rivers and ocean, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across North America

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult atlantic salmon typically measure about 0.9 m in length and weigh 3–15 kg (7–33 lb). They can sprint at Around 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts when hunting or escaping predators. Atlantic Salmons are known for the fish that swims upriver to spawn — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Atlantic Salmon FAQs

What are key facts about atlantic salmons?

Atlantic Salmons (Salmo salar) are fishs found across North America, Europe. The fish that swims upriver to spawn. Adults typically weigh 3–15 kg (7–33 lb), reach speeds of Around 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 4–8 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers and coastal waters of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America to Europe.

What is the scientific name of the atlantic salmon?

Salmo salar — used in research and conservation listings for atlantic salmons.

What do atlantic salmons eat?

Atlantic Salmons are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in North Atlantic rivers and ocean.

Where do atlantic salmons live?

They are associated with North Atlantic rivers and ocean. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of atlantic salmons?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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