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Species Guide

Atlantic Salmon

Salmon Atlantico
  • Spanish Name: Salmón Atlántico
  • English Name: Atlantic Salmon
  • Scientific Name: Salmo salar
  • Type of specie: Fish
  • Order: Salmoniformes
  • Family: Salmonidae

Habitat

  • Natural: Freshwater (rivers and lakes) for reproduction and early development.
  • Farming: Open sea for its growth and fattening phase.

General Description

  • Body shape: Elongated and fusiform, ideal for swimming in fast currents.
  • Distinctive features:

    Silvery flanks with black spots scattered on the head, back, and dorsal fins. During reproduction, males develop a prominent hook on the lower jaw.

Size and Weight

  • Average length: Usually between 50 and 80 cm, but in the wild, it can reach up to 1.65 meters.
  • Average weight: Commonly between 3 and 5 kg; some specimens can weigh up to 45 kg.

Life Cycle

Anadromous, born in freshwater, migrates to the ocean, and returns to rivers to spawn.

Adaptations

Tolerance to salinity changes and ability to migrate long distances.

Juveniles farming systems

Raised in land-based recirculation systems (RAS) in freshwater.

Grow-out farming systems

Performed in open sea floating cages.

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Discover our feeding systems
  • Geographical distribution
North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent rivers.
  • Main producing countries
Norway, Chile, Scotland, Canada, United States.
  • Commercial value

One of the most farmed and traded fish worldwide, highly valued for its omega-3-rich meat and culinary versatility.

  • Additional uses
  • Roe: Used as red caviar, especially in gourmet markets.
  • Skin: Processed into fish leather or collagen products.
  • Oil: Extracted for the nutritional supplement industry.
  • Common preparation methods
Fresh, smoked, in sushi, grilled fillets, canned, and gourmet dishes.