The Salmon are leaping up the River Ribble

Salmon jumping at Stainforth on the River Ribble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is the time of the year for the Salmon to be heading up river to lay their eggs. The salmon is an anadromous fish. This means it is a fish that is born in fresh water, spends most of its life in the sea and returns to fresh water to spawn. I did know that but I must admit I had to look the word up. But did you know a catadromous fish does the opposite – lives in fresh water and enters salt water to spawn?

At each stage of the life cycle of the salmon distinct changes take place. Apparently it was not until the first part of the 19th century that it was proven that the adult Atlantic salmon was the same species as the striped parr found in the rivers. The Atlantic Salmon Trust have a great slide show that explains all the different stages

http://www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/salmon-life-cycle-habitat-threats-and-concerns.html

I went down to Stainforth Force with Smudge on Saturday morning to watch this incredible sight. The force of the river dropping down the falls that they have to leap into is amazing. If you get the chance to see this feat sometime it is well worth the visit usually during October each year.

Here is a short piece of film I put on our Facebook page.