Details
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The largest Pacific salmon. It hatches in rivers, grows at sea, then returns in powerful migrations to spawn in freshwater.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Uses North Pacific waters and connected rivers. Juveniles occupy streams and estuaries, while adults range through cold coastal and offshore seas.
At sea it is silvery with a dark back. Spawning adults darken or redden, and males develop hooked jaws.
It migrates long distances and uses scent cues to return to natal rivers. Spawning adults ascend strong currents and obstacles.
At sea it eats small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Returning adults mostly stop feeding and rely on stored energy.
Females dig redds in gravel, and males fertilize the eggs. After spawning, adults die and return nutrients to river ecosystems.
Also called king salmon, it is important as food, sport fish, and cultural species. Conservation status varies by population.
