Fish
Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerkaAlso known as Red Salmon, Blueback Salmon, Kokanee
Sockeye Salmon are streamlined Pacific salmon that turn from silver-blue at sea to red-bodied, green-headed adults during spawning. Young fish often rear in lakes before migrating to the ocean and later returning to freshwater to reproduce.
Pacific salmonanadromous fishspawning migration
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyKrill, zooplankton, small fishes
Predators
- bears
- seals
- orcas
ThreatsWarming water, blocked migration routes, habitat loss, overharvest, pollution, and disease
HabitatsCold rivers, spawning streams, nursery lakes, estuaries, and the North Pacific Ocean
Life spanUsually three to seven years, depending on population and life history
Classification
- FamilySalmonidae
- SpeciesOncorhynchus nerka
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep clear of spawning beds and follow local fishing closures and handling rules.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a red body and green head on spawning adults.
- Observe: Watch from the bank without wading across occupied gravel beds.
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