How a prehistoric salmon survived a volcanic apocalypse

The Surprise Salmon | Life on Fire 3/6 | Go Wild · 52:20 · Video: Go Wild · Watch at the source

In short: Nearly 2,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption poisoned a salmon's home. This video explores how a specific race of fish survived the disaster and adapted to a perilous new journey to reach their spawning grounds.

Scientists are reconstructing the survival story of a salmon race that faced the destruction of its natal river due to Alaskan volcanic activity. Forced into the open ocean, these fish had to navigate a gauntlet of predators—including sharks, bears, and eagles—while avoiding sulphurous waters.

The narrative highlights a remarkable evolutionary persistence: despite the environmental devastation, the descendants of these pioneers continued to migrate toward the heart of an active volcano to reproduce. It serves as a case study in how species adapt to extreme geological shifts.

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