In the ocean, young and adult salmon have a diverse diet, feeding on a variety of marine organisms.
When salmon are in the ocean, they consume a wide range of prey. Their diet shifts depending on their size, age, and the specific marine environment they are in. The provided reference highlights that they eat various fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Key Food Sources for Ocean Salmon
According to the provided information, salmon in the ocean primarily eat the following:
Fish
Salmon are predatory fish themselves and consume smaller fish species. Examples include:
- Capelin
- Atlantic herring
- Sand lance
- Barracudina
- Lanternfish
Crustaceans
These include various small to medium-sized invertebrates with hard shells.
- Amphipods: Small, shrimp-like crustaceans.
- Euphausiids: Also known as "krill", these are small, planktonic crustaceans that form a crucial part of the marine food web.
Cephalopods
These are marine mollusks known for their tentacles.
- Squid
- Octopus
This varied diet provides salmon with the necessary energy and nutrients to grow and mature before returning to freshwater to spawn.
Summary of Ocean Salmon Diet
Here's a quick look at the types of food mentioned:
| Food Category | Examples of Prey |
|---|---|
| Fish | Capelin, Atlantic herring, Sand lance, Barracudina, Lanternfish |
| Crustaceans | Amphipods, Euphausiids (Krill) |
| Cephalopods | Squid, Octopus |
This diverse menu ensures that salmon can thrive in various ocean conditions and compete effectively for resources.
