samlets

A samlet is a juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) or brown trout (Salmo trutta) that has begun to develop its characteristic parr marks, indicating it is preparing to migrate to the sea. The term is typically used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These young fish reside in freshwater rivers and streams for a period of one to several years before undergoing physiological changes, known as smoltification, which allow them to tolerate saltwater.

Samlets are identifiable by their distinctive markings. They possess several dark, vertical spots called parr marks along their flanks, which serve as camouflage in their riverine habitat. In addition to these, they may also have small red spots, and their overall coloration can vary from silvery to a brownish hue, depending on the environment and species. The development of these marks signifies a transition from a juvenile, territorial freshwater life to a migratory, oceanic phase.

The transition from samlet to smolt is a crucial stage in the life cycle of salmonid fish. During this period, the fish's body chemistry changes, its scales become more silvery, and its metabolism adapts to a saltwater environment. Once this transformation is complete, the fish is referred to as a smolt and will then migrate downstream to the sea to feed and grow. The survival rate of samlets and smolts is a significant factor influencing the overall population health of these species.