Anadromous is the term that describes fish born in freshwater who spend most of their adult lives in saltwater and return to freshwater to spawn.

Catadromous is the term that describes fish born in saltwater who spend most of their adult lives in freshwater and return to saltwater to spawn.

New Jersey is home to numerous anadromous fish species.  These highly migratory fish make large spawning runs up freshwater rivers each spring to reproduce.  Anadromous fish populations are extremely significant as they provide numerous ecological, social, cultural, and recreational benefits.  Maintaining abundant numbers of these fish is vital for overall ecosystem health, and a goal of fisheries managers. For more information on New Jersey’s anadromous fish please see the links below.

Anadromous Species of New Jersey

Catadromous Species of New Jersey