Showing Food Coho salmon

General Information

Name

Coho salmon

Scientific Name

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Description

The coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (from the Russian ????? kizhuch), is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. Coho salmon are also known as silver salmon or "silvers". During their ocean phase, coho salmon have silver sides and dark-blue backs. During their spawning phase, their jaws and teeth become hooked. After entering fresh water, they develop bright-red sides, bluish-green heads and backs, dark bellies and dark spots on their backs. Sexually maturing fish develop a light-pink or rose shading along the belly, and the males may show a slight arching of the back. Mature adults have a pronounced red skin color with darker backs and average 28 inches (71 cm) and 7 to 11 pounds (3.2 to 5.0 kg), occasionally reaching up to 36 pounds (16 kg). Mature females may be darker than males, with both showing a pronounced hook on the nose.

Primary ID

FOOD00452

Picture