The Salmon n 3 



The scale, Fig. 118, shows thirty-two parr lines, sixteen between 

 each contraction. It is quite an interesting scale, as at the second 

 contraction one can discern a distinct line encircling the scale, such as 

 is made when a fish is on its second return from the sea. This ring 

 might be caused after spawning, when in the kelt stage, by the scale 

 becoming reduced. We know quite well male parr spawn and become 

 kelts, but we do not know if the same thing happens with the kelt- 

 parr as happens with the salmon on its second return. With the 



FIG. 119. i4-lb. Male (Namsen). 7th June 1911. 



former, however, the ring is put on in fresh water, and in the case of 

 the latter this occurs in the sea. Many male parr during the second 

 season have a more pronounced and better-defined ring on their 

 scales than is to be seen in that of the opposite sex. When we state 

 a fish has only spawned once, we may not be quite correct in our 

 assumption, for in the parr stage spawning may have occurred two or 

 three times. In the case of the opposite sex, however, we are more 

 sure of our ground, as we never find female parr carrying spawn. 



15 



