Details

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also known as Salmon, Silver Salmon, Medium Red Salmon, Hoopid Salmon, White Salmon; weight – 3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb); length – 60 to 70 cm (24 to 30 in); lifespan – 3 to 4 years. Coho Salmon are anadromous – they hatch in freshwater streams and spend a year in streams and rivers then migrate out to the saltwater environment of the ocean to feed and grow. They spend about 1½ years feeding in the ocean, then return to their natal streams or rivers to spawn, generally in fall or early winter. While in fresh water, young coho salmon feed on plankton and insects. While in the ocean, they switch to a diet of small fishes such as herring, sandlance, anchovies, and sardines. Image courtesy of NOAA.