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What differentiates Pacific from Atlantic salmon?

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Most Pacific salmon are born in fresh water, spend their adult lives in the saltwater oceans, and return to their natal rivers, or lakes, to spawn. These characteristics make them anadromous. Most Pacific salmon also die after they spawn once, which makes them semelparous.

Exceptions

See BC’s different species of Pacific salmon

By contrast, Atlantic salmon are anadromous but may spawn more than once. Visually, Atlantic salmon have 12 or less fin rays in their anal fin, whereas Pacific salmon have 13 or more. The shape of the anal fin also distinguishes Atlantic salmon from Pacific salmon.