Fish · GBIF taxon 5204034
Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutchAlso known as Silver Salmon, Medium Red Salmon, Coho, Silvers
Coho salmon spend one to two years in freshwater streams before migrating to the Pacific Ocean, where they mature rapidly and gain their brilliant silver sheen. During the autumn spawning run, adults return to their natal streams, transforming into striking hook-jawed creatures with deep red sides and dark green heads. After spawning once in gravel redds, adults die, providing essential marine-derived nutrients that fuel the surrounding forest ecosystem.
AnadromousMigratoryKeystone Species
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herring
- Sand Lance
- Aquatic Insects
Predators
- Grizzly Bear
- Bald Eagle
- Orca
ThreatsHabitat degradation, dams, climate change, overfishing
HabitatsCoastal streams, rivers, ocean waters, estuaries
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySalmonidae
- SpeciesOncorhynchus kisutch
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for dark green heads, red sides, and white gums around teeth on spawning adults in rivers.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from riverbanks, avoid walking in spawning gravel, and obey all local catch limits.
Responsible observation
- Patience at Riverbanks: Watch for jumping adults at rapids and fish ladders during autumn runs.
- Keep Distance: Avoid wading through gravel beds where females construct delicate spawning redds.
- Use Polarized Lenses: Polarized sunglasses cut water glare, making submerged fish much easier to spot.
Predator (c) Nathan Ruser, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nathan Ruser · cc-by
Predator (c) Thibaud Aronson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Thibaud Aronson · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Cole Wolf, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cole Wolf · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Bruce Deagle, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Deagle · cc-by
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