Anadromous species are fish that hatch and grow in freshwater, migrate to the ocean for their adult life, and return to freshwater to reproduce. Classic examples include salmon, sturgeon, and some species of lamprey.
- Hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn.
- Benefit from rich feeding grounds in the ocean for growth.
- Examples: Salmon, sturgeon, some lampreys.
Catadromous species do the opposite: they live mostly in freshwater and migrate to the sea to spawn. The most well-known catadromous fish are eels.
- Spend most of their life in freshwater.
- Migrate to the ocean for reproduction.
- Example: American eel (Anguilla rostrata), European eel (Anguilla anguilla).
Catadromous
Salmon and sturgeon are classic examples of anadromous fish.
Source Material
Author: MarineBio Conservation Society
Document: Fish Migration: Anadromous, Catadromous, and More
Date Published: 2023-02-18
Comparison:
| Aspect | Anadromous | Catadromous |
|---|---|---|
| Early Life | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Adult Life | Ocean | Freshwater |
| Spawning Migration | Freshwater (from ocean) | Ocean (from freshwater) |
| Examples | Salmon, Sturgeon, Lamprey | Eels (Anguilla spp.) |
Diadromous
The primary driver is reproduction.
Conclusion:
Anadromous and catadromous fish represent two fascinating migration strategies centered around reproduction, with each group exploiting different habitats during their life cycles.
- Anadromous fish: freshwater birth, ocean growth, freshwater reproduction.
- Catadromous fish: freshwater residence, ocean reproduction.
- Understanding these patterns is vital for conservation and fisheries management.