|
(sm"n), n.; pl. Salmons (-nz) or (collectively) Salmon. [OE. saumoun, salmon, F. saumon, fr. L. salmo, salmonis, perhaps from salire to leap. Cf. Sally, v.] 1. (Zol.) Any one of several species of fishes of the genus Salmo and allied genera. The common salmon (Salmo salar) of Northern Europe and Eastern North America, and the California salmon, or quinnat, are the most important species. They are extensively preserved for food. See Quinnat. The salmons ascend rivers and penetrate to their head streams to spawn. They are remarkably strong fishes, and will even leap over considerable falls which lie in the way of their progress. The common salmon has been known to grow to the weight of seventy-five pounds; more generally it is from fifteen to twenty-five pounds. Young salmon are called parr, peal, smolt, and grilse. Among the true salmons are: Black salmon, or Lake salmon, the namaycush. Dog salmon, a salmon of Western North America (Oncorhynchus keta). Humpbacked salmon, a Salm"on a.Of a reddish yellow or orange color, like that of the flesh of the salmon. スポンサード リンク
|