Anametadromous

/ˌænəməˈtædrəməs/ adjective

Definition

Describing fish that migrate from the ocean into freshwater to breed, then return to the ocean (opposite of catadromous).

Etymology

From Greek ana- 'up, back' + meta- 'change' + dromos 'running/course.' This is a technical ichthyology term built from Greek roots. The prefix ana- indicates the upward or inland direction of migration.

Kelly Says

Anametadromous fish like salmon have an amazing biological GPS system that lets them navigate thousands of miles through the ocean, find their exact home river, and return to spawn where they were born—using Earth's magnetic field and smell.

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