Fauna
Fish

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Also 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
Coho Salmon reference1 / 7
(c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHerring, 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
Classification
  1. FamilySalmonidae
  2. SpeciesOncorhynchus kisutch
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…