A bright silver Pacific salmon that turns brilliant red on its sides and dark-green head when spawning. Coho prefer small coastal streams — making them vulnerable to logging and development of headwater habitats.

Also called: Silver Salmon, Coho

Native status: Native; endangered/threatened across most of range

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 45–80 cm (18–32 in)
Weight1.5–4.5 kg (3.3–10 lb); record 14 kg (31 lb)
Lifespan3–4 years
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The coho salmon is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family and one of the six Pacific salmon species. Coho salmon are also known as silver salmon and is often sold as medium red salmon. The scientific species name is based on the Russian common name kizhuch (кижуч).

Source: Wikipedia — Coho salmon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Silvery body with small black spots on back and tail; spawning males develop hooked jaw and reddish hues. White gum line.

Similar species. Chinook (larger, black gum line). Sockeye (different body shape).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. At sea: smaller fish (especially herring). In fresh water: stops feeding.

Behavior. Anadromous; smolt out as 2-year-olds, return to natal streams to spawn. Federally listed as endangered or threatened across most of US range.

§ Range

Pacific coast from California to Alaska; Lake Michigan (introduced)

§ Habitat

Anadromous: small coastal streams to spawn, ocean as adults

§ Threats

Coastal stream destruction, dams, climate-driven ocean warming, hatchery dilution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the coho salmon is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support coastal stream restoration. Remove blocking culverts. Buy MSC-certified wild-caught salmon.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Wild Salmon Center
  • USFWS
  • IUCN Red List 2017