Smolt spend time in the brackish waters of the river estuary while their body chemistry adjusts (osmoregulation) to the higher salt levels they will encounter in the ocean.
These gradients are essential for osmoregulation, for sodium-coupled transport of a variety of organic and inorganic molecules, and for electrical excitability of nerve and muscle.
By being able to adapt and thrive in both high and low salinity conditions through osmoregulation, common snook display a high level of habitat plasticity.