The Atlantic Salmon is an endangered species in the state of Maine, home of the last known naturally reproducing wild Atlantic Salmon in the U.S. It suffers because of overfishing, disease, and the introduction of farm-raised fishes into its habitats. Under the Endangered Species Act it is now illegal to take salmon from any of the population's waterways.

Look For: A silvery salmon with small X-shaped spots. Head and pectoral fins short. Anal fin has 9 rays. Juveniles have dark bars and red spots on sides.


Length: 4' 7".

Habitat: Ocean. Spawns in rivers.

Range: Atlantic coast north of Connecticut.