Status (as of 1997): THREATENED
Spawning Coho Salmon adults grow to typically 16 to 28 inches and weigh 6-13 lbs. When spawning in freshwater, their heads and backs are a dark, drab blue green, while the sides are a dull maroon to brown with a bright red lateral streak and the belly is gray to black. Females are paler than males and usually lack the red streak. Males have a hooked jaw, enlarged and more exposed teeth, slightly humped back, and a more compressed head and body. In the ocean, they are bright silver with small black spots.
Spawning males also include hooked jaw, enlarged and more exposed teeth, slightly humped back and a more compressed head and body. |
Threats to the SpeciesHabitat Loss: Freshwater habitat loss and degradation (timber harvest and water quality).
Diversion of Water: Agriculture, flood control, municipal purposes, hydropower. Pesticides: Toxic mixtures of certain pesticides in run-off affect neurological activity in steelhead trout, leading to reduced survival and death. |
Range and HabitatHabitat:
Juveniles - feeding and rearing in streams and small freshwater tributaries Adults - foraging in estuarine and marine waters of the Pacific Ocean Spawning adults - small streams with stable gravel substrates Range: Oregon border south to Monterey Bay |
Behavior |
Life Cycle |
In the larger coastal rivers where the river mouth remains open all year, coho salmon have access earlier in the season and can migrate higher into the watershed. Spawning migrations often do not begin until heavy rains open up sand bars at river mouths and ease their passage upstream.
Prey: Plankton and aquatic insects in freshwater and small fish while in the ocean. Predators: When young, birds, insects, and other fish. As adults, seals, orca whales, bears, and fishermen. |
Sep - Jan
Mating: In freshwater, spawn (primarily at night) and die within 2 weeks. Females lay 2,400 to 4,500 eggs. Early Spring Young: Hatch in about 3 months. 3 years Lifespan; 1 year in freshwater and next 1-2 years in saltwater before returning to spawn and die in natal streams. |
Resources
- "Coho Salmon Recovery." California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d.
- "Species Accounts - Fish." California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d. Web.
- "Species Profile for Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus (=salmo) Kisutch)." ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, n.d. Web.