Coho salmon

Coho Salmon

The Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also known as the silver salmon or blueback salmon, is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. It is one of five species of Pacific salmon found in the North American region.

Description

Coho salmon are typically silver-blue with a dark back and a pale belly. They can grow up to 28 inches in length and weigh up to 12 pounds. The species is distinguished by its small scales, a large mouth with sharp teeth, and a hooked jaw that develops in males during the spawning season.

Distribution and Habitat

Coho salmon are native to the Pacific Ocean, and their range extends from California to Alaska and across the Bering Sea to Japan. They inhabit both fresh and saltwater environments during their life cycle, spending one to two years in their natal streams before migrating to the ocean.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the coho salmon is complex and involves several stages. After hatching, the young salmon, known as fry, remain in their natal streams for up to two years. They then undergo a process called smoltification, which prepares them for life in saltwater. Once in the ocean, they grow rapidly and eventually return to their natal streams to spawn.

Conservation Status

Coho salmon populations have declined significantly due to factors such as habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. They are currently listed as a species of concern under the Endangered Species Act in the United States.

See Also

• Chinook Salmon
• Sockeye Salmon
• Pink Salmon
• Chum Salmon