Coho and Silver Salmon
Caught from June to October
Quick Facts:
- Scientific name: Oncorhynchus kisutch.
- There are more distinct populations of coho than of any other Pacific salmon species in BC.
- Although coho tend to remain close to the coastline, they have been found as far as 1600 km from shore.
- Juvenile coho defend their territories through a series of maneuvers including a complex shimmy-shake, dubbed by scientists the "wig-wag dance".
Description of coho salmon in marine phase
Coho have white gums, black tongues and a few spots on the upper portion of their bodies and silver-coloured tails. They have a wide tail base. Bright silver with a metallic blue dorsal surface. Coho usually live for three years and grow rapidly in their final year. They weigh between 1.3 kg and 14 kg. In the Strait of Georgia from April to early June, small coho passing from the grilse stage to maturity are called bluebacks. In the U.S. Coho are called "Silvers".
Description of coho salmon in freshwater phase
Fresh run coho are very similar in appearance to salt water fish - bright silver with a metallic blue dorsal surface, and a wide tail base with a few spots on the upper portion of their silver-coloured tails. As coho mature, the males become reddish on the sides, and green on the back and head, often dark on belly. Females are less strongly coloured.
The coho's gums at the base of the teeth are almost white. Its mouth is white, and its teeth are sharp and strong.
The coho has a square, silver- coloured tail with just a few scattered spots, usually on the upper portion of the tail. It has a wide tail base.