Olfactory sense pinpoints spawning river: Atlantic salmon

1 of 2 Sockeye Salmon (Spawning Male) / Alan D. Wils.. / License

Salmon identify a specific spawning river using their keen olfactory sense.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Sense signals/environmental cues >
	Chemicals (odor, taste, etc.)

Biomimetic Application Ideas

In-stream sensors to monitor stream health.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The salmon's extraordinary ability to locate the river where it was born is due to its highly developed olfactory sense, which enables it to distinguish between different rivers by scent." (Shuker 2001:76)

About the inspiring organism

Salmon
Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758
[Atlantic salmon, Bay salmon, Black salmon, Breeder, Caplin-scull salmon, Common Atlantic salmon, Fiddler, Grayling, Grilse, Grilt, Kelt, Kippered salmon, Landlocked salmon, N. Atlantic salmon, Ouananiche, Ouinanish, Outside salmon, Parr, Salmon peel, Sea]

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Habitat(s): Marine Coastal/Supratidal, Marine Neritic, Marine Oceanic, Wetlands

Some organism data provided by: FishBase
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: In-stream sensors to monitor stream health.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Sensors, stream monitoring devices

References

Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.

Olfactory sense pinpoints spawning river: Atlantic salmon

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