Coho
Coho salmon ocean phase.
Photo: Phil Edgell
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Names: Coho / Silver
Size: Up to 14 kg
Range: California to western Alaska
Time in Freshwater: 1-2 yrs.
Time of Runs: Fall
Age of Spawners: Majority 3 yrs.; some 2 yrs
Prey as Adult: Herring
Prey as Juvenile: Insect larvae and tiny crustaceans;
small fish and mature insects as they grow
Predators: Fish, marine mammals including Pacific
white-sided dolphins
No. of Eggs: 1,000-6,000
Distinct Features: Moderate-sized spots, white
gums; fry have long, narrow parr marks
Notes: The decline in the abundance of wild Fraser
coho is largely attributed to excessive fishing, habitat loss and
decreased marine survival of smolts.
In 1966, coho were successfully introduced into the Great Lakes
and are now commercially and recreationally fished. These coho populations
are supported by hatcheries.
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