Salmon can leap up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) into the air to jump over waterfalls.

Salmon are famous for their anadromous lifestyle, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Species like the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) possess specialized red muscle tissue that provides the endurance needed for these long journeys. To clear waterfalls, salmon utilize a burst of speed called 'tail-flicking,' where they generate massive thrust by rapidly oscillating their caudal fin against the water's surface tension.Research conducted by biologists at the University of British Columbia shows that salmon can reach underwater speeds of up to 20 miles per hour before breaching the surface. This kinetic energy is converted into vertical height, allowing them to overcome vertical barriers that would stop most other fish. The height of 12 feet (3.7 meters) is often cited as the upper limit for larger species like the Chinook salmon, which can weigh over 40 pounds.This behavior is driven by a powerful homing instinct guided by magnetoreception and olfaction. Studies published in journals like 'Nature' indicate that salmon use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate the open ocean and then use their sense of smell to identify the unique chemical signature of their home stream. Successfully jumping these falls is a critical evolutionary filter, ensuring that only the strongest individuals pass on their genes to the next generation.