Fishing enthusiasts can attest to the fact that different types of fish inhabit various aquatic environments. Some species are specifically found in marine environments, while others dwell solely in freshwater. However, certain fish species tend to adapt to both types of environments, making them quite diverse and versatile. Here’s a look at some of the most common fish species that exist in both freshwater and marine environments.
1. Salmon
Salmon is one of the most renowned fish species found in both marine and freshwater environments. They are anadromous – which essentially means that they begin their life cycles in freshwater, migrate to the sea, and return to freshwater to spawn. So, they spend most of their adult lives swimming in the ocean until it’s time to return to freshwater to spawn.
2. Striped Bass
Striped bass has a similar pattern to the Salmon. They are anadromous and tend to move from freshwater to saltwater during different stages of their life. Striped bass reach sexual maturity in marine environments and they migrate to freshwater to spawn.
3. Eels
Eels are another type of fish that can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. Unlike other anadromous fish, eels are catadromous – they breed in marine environments, but they grow and mature in freshwater environments. American Eel, European Eel, and Japanese Eel are some of the most popular eel types found in both marine and freshwater systems.
4. Trout
Trout is another adaptive fish species that can exist in both freshwater and marine environments. They are a type of salmonid fish but are considered a freshwater fish per their geographical domain. Some Trout populations migrate to sea for reproduction and return to freshwater for feeding.
5. Sturgeon
Lastly, sturgeon is considered one of the most ancient fish species, and they have existed for over 250 million years. Sturgeon have survived over time by adapting to different environments, and this has made them diverse with a range of different sizes, shapes, and colors. These fish are found in deep rivers, estuaries, coasts, and sea, and they migrate from freshwater to saltwater frequently.
Different fish species can survive and thrive in various aquatic environments. Once you hit the water, you might be lucky to come across one of these fascinating fish species — whether in freshwater or saltwater. It’s fascinating to watch these fish adapt to different environments and continue to thrive in them. Understanding how they manage to survive even in the most challenging ecosystems is simply amazing.