2-756-511 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Atlantic salmon - Grilse, Smolt and Parr, 1887, (1946). At different points in their maturation and life cycle, Atlantic salmon are known as parr, smolt, grilse, grilt, kelt, slink, and spring salmon. It was not until the early 19th century that it was proven that the adult Atlantic salmon was the same species as the striped parr found in the rivers. When the young parr begin to migrate to the sea, they gradually become more elongated and the body becomes more silvery in colour. They then undergo a physiological pre-adaptation to life in seawater and become smolts. A grilse is an Atlantic salmon which has spent only one winter at sea before returning to the river. Illustration from "British and Irish Salmonidae" by Francis Day. Published in "British Anglers' Natural History', by E. G. Boulenger. [Collins, London, 1946]