The smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon — averaging just 3–5 lbs. Spawning males develop dramatic humped backs (earning the name "humpy"). Salmon runs alternate massively between odd and even years.

Also called: Humpy, Humpback Salmon

Native status: Native; widespread in Pacific

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 20–70 cm (8–28 in)
Weight0.5–4 kg (1.1–9 lb); record 14 kg
LifespanWild 15–20 years; some 25+
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

Pink salmon or humpback salmon is a species of euryhaline ray-finned fish in the family Salmonidae. It is the type species of the genus Oncorhynchus, and is the smallest and most abundant of the seven officially recognized species of salmon. The species' scientific name is based on the Russian common name for this species gorbúša (горбуша), which literally means humpie.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Silvery body with small black spots; spawning males develop dramatic humped backs.

Similar species. Other Pacific salmon. Chum (different size and pattern).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. At sea: krill, fish. In fresh water: stops feeding during spawn.

Behavior. Most abundant Pacific salmon. Two-year fixed life cycle leads to dramatic alternation: huge "odd-year" runs, smaller "even-year" runs.

§ Range

Pacific coast from California north to Alaska

§ Habitat

Anadromous: rivers to spawn, ocean as adults

§ Threats

Climate-driven ocean changes, hatchery impacts on wild gene pools, pollution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pink salmon is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Buy MSC-certified wild Alaskan pink salmon. Support sustainable fishery management.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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