The iconic red salmon — gleaming silver in the ocean, turning brilliant red with a green head at spawning. Sockeye return runs in Alaska's Bristol Bay and the Fraser River are among the largest wild salmon runs on Earth.

Also called: Red Salmon, Kokanee (landlocked form)

Native status: Native to Pacific North America

§ Quick facts

SizeAdults at sea 70–84 cm; spawning females may exceed 1.5 m
WeightAverage 2.3–7 kg (5–15 lb); maximum verified ~7.7 kg
Lifespan4–5 years typical; complete life cycle in fresh and salt water
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The sockeye salmon, also called red salmon, kokanee salmon, blueback salmon, or simply sockeye, is an anadromous species of salmon found in the Northern Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. This species is a Pacific salmon that is primarily red in hue during spawning. They can grow up to 84 cm in length and weigh 2.3 to 7 kg (5–15 lb). Juveniles remain in freshwater until they are ready to migrate to the ocean, over distances of up to 1,600 km (1,000 mi). Their diet consists primarily of zooplankton. Sockeye salmon are semelparous, dying after they spawn. Some populations, referred to as kokanee, do not migrate to the ocean and live their entire lives in fresh water.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. At sea: silver with greenish back. Spawning: vivid red body with bright green head. Slender forked tail.

Similar species. Chinook (larger, dark mouth lining), Coho (white gums), Pink Salmon (smaller, very small spots on tail).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. At sea: zooplankton, small fish. In fresh water: stop feeding entirely once spawning migration begins.

Behavior. Born in lakes (essential nursery), smolt to sea after 1–2 years, return after 1–4 years to natal lake to spawn. Spawn once, then die — bodies fertilize streams for next generation.

§ Range

Pacific coast from California to Alaska

§ Habitat

Anadromous: lakes and rivers to spawn, ocean as adults

§ Threats

Dams blocking migration, climate-driven ocean changes, mining threats to spawning lakes (e.g., Bristol Bay), habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Oppose Pebble Mine and other Bristol Bay threats. Support dam removal on Klamath and Snake. Buy wild-caught Alaskan sockeye.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Bristol Bay Native Corporation
  • Wild Salmon Center
  • IUCN Red List 2017