smolt

/smoʊlt/

Definitions

1. noun

a small fish, typically a salmon or trout, that has not yet undergone metamorphosis and has a silvery or grayish color

“The smolt was released into the river to begin its migration.”

2. verb

to undergo the changes that occur in a fish as it transforms from a freshwater form to a saltwater form

“The salmon smolted in the estuary before migrating out to sea.”

Synonyms

  • fish fry
  • salmon parr
  • trout fry

Antonyms

  • adult fish
  • mature fish