Coho salmon: description, species, lifestyle, habitat, and reproduction

Coho salmon: description, species, lifestyle, habitat, and reproduction. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is one of the most colorful and valuable members of the salmon family. It is a migratory fish that spends most of its life in marine waters, and migrates upstream to spawn in the rivers of the Far East, Siberia, and North America. In America, coho salmon are called "silver salmon" due to their iridescent, small scales, which take on a bright silvery hue in the sea. Coho salmon are prized for their dense, fatty meat with a rich flavor and high nutritional value. Considered one of the most delicious Pacific salmon, they are important in commercial and sport fishing.

When coho salmon are caught and spawning

Coho salmon are actively caught during periods of mass river runs—from June to October, with a peak in August and September. The best months for fishing are July and October, when the fish enter the rivers and begin preparing for spawning. Coho salmon spawn in September and November, depending on the region and whether they spawn in summer or fall.

The maximum length of coho salmon is 108 cm. The maximum weight is 15 kg.

The best baits and lures for coho salmon: wobblers, spinners, flies (fly fishing), spinners.

Coho salmon is a family of salmon fish.

Coho salmon is a predatory fish and a prominent member of the salmon family. They spend most of their lives in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, but hatch and complete their life cycle in freshwater sources.

Distinctive features of coho salmon

The body is elongated with a large cone-shaped head; the body of the fish tapers slightly on the sides, creating a feeling of flattening; the upper part of the head turns into an elongated, curving, wide jaw with small, sharp teeth, which makes it possible to hunt large prey; the frontal bone of the coho salmon is wide and strong; the eyes are large, slightly bulging; the body of the predator is covered with small rounded scales of a beautiful silvery color; the upper part of the head and back are colored in gray-green shades; the abdominal part of the fish is white; on the back of the predator there are two light fins, the other fins are colored in dark gray shades; the fins are soft, hard radial bones are absent; the fin at the tip of the tail is shortened and wide.

During spawning season, male coho salmon undergo a transformation. Their coloring turns red, their snout lengthens, taking on a hook-like shape, their body becomes flatter, and a hump-like growth develops behind their head. Their head and gills turn black, and a white stripe appears on their lower jaw.

Important! Female predatory fish do not change during the spawning season; they remain their normal size and color.

Coho salmon size

Adults living off the coast of North America are large, sometimes reaching up to 1 meter in length and weighing up to 15 kilograms. A predator living in the Asian part of the Pacific Ocean is slightly smaller, growing to 60-70 centimeters in length and weighing no more than 7 kilograms.

The average size of commercial coho salmon is 50-60 centimeters, weighing from 3 to 5 kilograms.

Coho salmon, bred artificially in freshwater reservoirs, are characterized by small sizes of up to 30-40 centimeters in length and weighing no more than 2-3 kilograms.

Coho salmon are extremely rare on the Putorana Plateau, occurring only in the lower reaches of large rivers flowing into lakes (such as the Khantaika River). Here, the fish reach good health thanks to the icy-clear water and abundant food, but there are no large aggregations like those found in Kamchatka or Sakhalin.

Coho salmon spawning

The most important and final stage in the life of coho salmon is spawning. The predator becomes reproductively active at age four. Until then, coho salmon live in ocean waters, migrating to rivers for spawning.

The migration period begins in late autumn. After a season of heavy rainfall, river water levels rise and create no obstacles for fish to migrate to their spawning grounds. Temperature conditions are also important for the start of the spawning season. For spawning to begin, river temperatures must drop to 1-8 degrees Celsius.

Coho salmon choose spawning sites in rivers and streams with sand and small pebbles on the bottom. Clean, clear water and a fast current are also important for this predator.

Features of the spawning period:

1. The fish migrate to their spawning grounds at night. During the day, coho salmon rest in river pits and pools.
2. Having reached the designated place, the predator chooses shallow water and makes a nest on the bottom to lay eggs.
3. Females use their tails and bodies to dig up river bottoms up to 30 centimeters deep. They lay eggs in the prepared nests, which are immediately fertilized by male predators.
4. To protect their offspring from death, the females dig another nest a little further upstream, the soil from which covers the previous clutch of fertilized eggs.
5. Each clutch contains up to 300 eggs, but not every fry that hatches from them survives until the moment of migration to ocean waters.

The spawning period lasts from 5 to 7 days. During this time, the female coho salmon lays an average of 3,000 to 5,000 eggs and digs over 100 nests, while the males fertilize the eggs during this time. After spawning, the silver salmon loses its vitality and dies, having given birth to its offspring.

The egg development period lasts from 3.5 to 4 months, after which transparent larval fry, no larger than 1.5 to 2 centimeters, emerge. For the first 1.5 months, the larval fry remain in the nest, feeding on the remains of the eggs. Then, the small predators emerge from their hiding places and begin to live independently, foraging for food and preparing to migrate to the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The fry's appearance differs from that of adults. The small fish are covered in golden scales with dark stripes, providing excellent camouflage.

Initially, the fry feed on algae, eggs, and small organisms found in freshwater rivers.

After reaching 20 centimeters in length, the fry begin to hunt other aquatic life on their own, and the fish gradually change color to that of an adult coho salmon.

The migration of young individuals to ocean waters begins one year after birth.

Interesting! Coho salmon return to the spawning grounds where they were born. During spawning, the predator does not hunt or consume other food, so it quickly loses its vitality.

Coho salmon habitats

The coho salmon's habitat is widespread in the northern Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of North America, Canada, and Alaska.

During spawning season, the predator enters all rivers of the northern part of the American continent, as well as the waters of Chukotka, Kamchatka, Magadan, the Commander Islands, and the entire eastern coast of Russia. During migration, silver salmon can travel up to 700 kilometers upstream.

Coho salmon is artificially bred in Japan, Norway, Latin America and Central America.

Unlike ocean-caught coho salmon, captive-bred fish are smaller in size and have lower levels of beneficial fats.

Fact! Due to its relatively large size, this predator has virtually no natural predators in the ocean, but is vulnerable to attack during growth and development in freshwater bodies.

Coho salmon lifestyle

In the open ocean, adult coho salmon spend their lives near the coast, at depths no greater than 10 meters, where temperatures do not rise above 15 degrees Celsius. In rare cases, schools of migrating predators can be encountered thousands of kilometers from shore.

Coho salmon spend most of their lives in ocean waters until they reach reproductive maturity at age four. In warmer habitats, they reach reproductive maturity earlier in the season.

The diet of an adult predator consists of ocean-dwelling crustaceans, squid, and various fish, including smaller species of salmon.

Life cycle of coho salmon

The average life cycle of coho salmon is three to four seasons. In rare cases, individuals die a little earlier, or, conversely, live to be five or six years old.

The fry hatch in the spring. Throughout the year, they actively grow and develop, ready to embark on their long journey to the ocean a year later. During this year, the fry undergo a transformation, and their bodies acquire the ability to survive in salty ocean water. After all, the fry initially live in freshwater, and their blood contains no more than 12% salt, but by the time of migration, this percentage more than doubles. Migration to their permanent habitat begins in late spring.

In their fourth year, coho salmon are ready to reproduce and return to the freshwater rivers where they began their life cycle. After preparing their nests, spawning, and fertilizing their eggs, the adults die.

Important! The end of the silver salmon life cycle has a beneficial effect on the ecosystem of freshwater rivers, supplying reservoirs with nutrients and nitrogen.

Methods of catching coho salmon

Although this predator is not listed in the Red Book, its commercial exploitation is limited. By the end of the last century, due to intensive coho salmon fishing off the coast of North America and in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the species' population declined sharply, necessitating commercial fishing restrictions. Today, the silver salmon population is gradually recovering.

The easiest way to catch valuable fish is in freshwater bodies during migration. A spinning rod with a long rod is used for this. Spinnerbaits and various wobblers are suitable as bait.

Fishing for coho salmon in rivers begins in mid-September, which is when the fish migrate to their spawning grounds.

Coho salmon are large fish that actively fight back when caught, trying to free themselves from the tackle. In most cases, the predator prevails, making catching this silver salmon an adrenaline rush and genuine excitement for the angler.

Coho salmon are extremely rare on the Putorana Plateau, occurring only in the lower reaches of large rivers flowing into lakes (such as the Khantaika River). Here, the fish reach good health thanks to the icy-clear water and abundant food, but there are no large aggregations like those found in Kamchatka or Sakhalin.

Nutritional value of coho salmon

The nutritional value of coho salmon lies in the fact that its flesh contains many vitamins, useful substances and nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the human body.

Eating coho salmon has significant benefits for the entire body:

• activates brain and mental activity;
• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders;
• has a positive effect on the nervous system;
• strengthens bone and joint tissue;
• during active sports, it accelerates the process of muscle tissue formation;
• improves blood quality, increases hemoglobin;
• has a beneficial effect on the body's defenses and improves immunity;
• lowers blood cholesterol levels;
• helps normalize blood pressure;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Coho salmon caviar

Coho salmon caviar is one of the most exquisite and valuable types of red caviar among Pacific salmon. It is considered a delicacy, possessing a particularly delicate flavor and fine texture, making it a coveted product for gourmets and connoisseurs of true red caviar. Coho salmon eggs are smaller than those of chum salmon, but larger than those of pink and sockeye salmon. The color is a bright, rich orange-red, often with a slight coral or amber tint. This caviar is most often used in premium appetizers, at banquets, and in high-end restaurants.

What does coho salmon caviar look like?

Coho salmon eggs range in size from 4 to 5.5 mm, sometimes up to 6 mm—an average size for red caviar. Compared to chum salmon (5.5 to 7.5 mm), they are noticeably smaller, but significantly larger than pink salmon (4 to 6 mm) and sockeye salmon (3 to 4.5 mm). The eggs are perfectly shaped, spherical, and free of deformations.

The color is one of the most beautiful of all red caviar varieties: a vibrant orange-red, with a distinct shine and a slight pearlescent sheen. High-quality caviar has a uniform color, without grayness, turbidity, or yellow streaks.

The shell is thin, elastic, and very delicate. When pressed lightly, the eggs burst easily, releasing their juices. When properly salted, the caviar does not stick together; the eggs separate easily, retain their elasticity, and do not burst when stirred.

Taste and texture

The flavor of coho salmon caviar is considered one of the most balanced and refined among red caviar. It is delicate and soft, with a slight sweetness and subtle bitterness. The finish is long, oily, and clean, without a harsh saltiness or metallic aftertaste. Many connoisseurs describe the taste of coho salmon caviar as "velvety" and "silky."

The texture is very pleasant: the eggs are delicate yet firm. They pop in the mouth with a soft pop, leaving a sensation of freshness and a slight oiliness. It's this tenderness that makes coho salmon caviar ideal for eating on its own—on bread and butter, on pancakes, in salads, or simply with a spoon.

Nutritional value and composition

100 grams of coho salmon caviar contains approximately:

• Caloric content: 240–260 kcal
• Proteins - 30–34 g
• Fats - 12-16 g (mainly polyunsaturated Omega-3)
• Carbohydrates - 0-1 g
• Water - about 50-55 g

Coho salmon caviar is rich in vitamins:

• Vitamin A - 250-450 mcg
• Vitamin D — 8–15 mcg
• Vitamin E — 4–7 mg
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid)
• Vitamin C - in small amounts

Mineral composition:

• Phosphorus — 400–600 mg
• Potassium - 350-500 mg
• Magnesium - 30-60 mg
• Selenium — 35–70 mcg
• Iron - 2-5 mg
• Zinc — 1–2 mg
• Iodine - 10-40 mcg

The high content of Omega-3, vitamin D, selenium and complete protein makes coho salmon caviar one of the most beneficial animal products.

The benefits of coho salmon caviar

Regular moderate consumption of coho salmon caviar (100–150 g 1–2 times a week) brings significant benefits to the body:

• strengthens the immune system
• improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels
• reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol
• supports brain and nervous system health
• improves the condition of skin, hair and nails
• helps with anemia
• accelerates recovery after physical exertion and illness
• has a positive effect on vision and the thyroid gland
• helps normalize blood pressure
• has an anti-inflammatory effect

Coho salmon caviar is especially beneficial for children, pregnant women (in moderation), people after surgery, and athletes.

Possible harm and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, coho salmon caviar is a product that should not be consumed without control.

Main limitations:

• High salt content - not recommended for hypertension, edema, kidney disease
• High in calories and fat - use with caution if you are obese
• Accumulation of heavy metals (mercury, lead) - should not be overused by pregnant women and children under 3 years of age
• Allergy to fish and seafood - complete exclusion
• Gout and kidney stones - due to high purine content

How to distinguish coho salmon caviar from other species

Coho salmon caviar is easily recognized by several characteristics:

• the size of the eggs is 4–5.5 mm (noticeably smaller than those of chum salmon, but larger than those of sockeye salmon)
• color - bright orange with a coral or amber tint (chum salmon has a more saturated red, sockeye salmon has a dark burgundy, pink salmon has a lighter and paler color)
• the shell is very thin and delicate, it bursts easily and with a soft click
• taste - delicate, velvety, sweetish, with a slight bitterness (chum salmon is brighter and more bitter, sockeye salmon is sweetish-bitter, pink salmon is more watery)

Conclusion

Coho salmon is a true delicacy among Pacific salmon. Unlike the freshwater giants of the Putorana Plateau— taimen, lenok, and char—which reach remarkable sizes in crystal-clear rivers and lakes thanks to the pristine environment and abundant natural food, coho salmon rule the seas and rivers of the Far East, where its silvery schools, powerful spawning runs, and role in the ecosystem remain unrivaled.