A Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, is a species of fish that is native to the Pacific Ocean and its tributaries. It is one of five species of Pacific salmon and is a widely sought-after game fish that is sought after for food and sport. Coho salmon are prized for their color, flavor, and high oil content, which makes them sought after by both recreational and commercial fish farmers.
Coho salmon have dark, metallic blue backs and silvery-gray sides. They have distinct black spots on their backs and their upper lobe of the tail fin. They also have an anadromous life cycle which means when they are in their freshwater stream environment, they prefer fast-flowing streams with gravel beds that provide ideal spawning habitat.
The Coho salmon has a similar size and shape to its relative, the Chinook salmon, with a mature length of up to three feet and weighing up to 20 pounds. However, the Coho salmon usually grows to a smaller size due to its shorter life span. Fully mature Coho salmon can be identified by the hooks at the end of their jaw. The females tend to be larger than the males.
Coho salmon are found in the Pacific Ocean and most of its coatal tributaries, including major rivers such as the Columbia, Fraser, Skeena, and Sacramento. Coho spawn in the spring in these rivers and streams, usually reaching sexual maturity at 1 to 2 years of age. They can live up to 4 years but will die after spawning, as do all Pacific salmon species.
Coho are opportunistic feeders, which means they feed on just about anything that moves. They primarily feed on plankton, insects, and small fish. From the time they enter freshwater until they spawn and die, they feed hardly at all. The interesting thing about Coho is that, unlike other Pacific Salmon species, Coho can utilize brackish and estuarine areas for feeding. This allows them to have access to different types of prey, as well as to survive in and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Coho are also a popular gamefish, prized for their fighting ability and acrobatic leaps into the air. They often travel in schools and this can make them one of the most exciting catches when fishing. Their flesh has a light orange-pink color when fresh and they are known for having excellent flavor, texture, and a high oil content.
Due to overexploitation, habitat destruction, and degradation of water quality, this species of Pacific Salmon is listed as threatened or endangered in some areas including California and Canada. Conservation efforts are being made to try to restore the Natural habitat needed for this species to reproduce and thrive. For example, hatchery programs have been developed to supplement threatened populations. Additionally, fishing regulations such as size limits, catch and release, and bag limits have been implemented to help improve the species' numbers.
Coho salmon are an exceptionally unique species. Their impressive size, bold nature, and gourmet flesh make them a favorite among anglers, recreationalists, and commercial fish farmers. With proper management and conservation, this species may still thrive for years to come.
Coho Salmon: From Creation to Dinner Plate
For many, the idea of a Coho salmon swimming its way to a dinner plate may seem a bit romantic. But what most don’t realize is this exact event is achieved through a complex yet finely tuned process that begins long before the fish ever reaches its final location. In order to understand just how the Coho salmon manages to end up on our dinner plates, one must first look at its lifecycle, beginning with its creation.
The Anatomy of a Coho
Cohos, or Oncorhynchus kisutch, are members of the family of Quinalid fishes and are related to the sockeye species of Salmon. The Coho species is also known as Silver Salmon or Silver-Side, as these fish have a silver hue that covers both sides of their bodies. In terms of size, Coho salmon can reach an impressive 80-90 cm in length and around 5-12 kg in weight, making them the perfect salmon for someone looking to make a big impression at the dinner table. The fish possess two dorsal fins just off their heads, which helps them maneuver their way through the fast-flowing waters of the Pacific ocean.
Spawning
Coho salmon spend the majority of their lifecycle in the oceans of the North Pacific, where they go to grow and mature. During the spring months, adults will gather and migrate back to the freshwater rivers of their native regions. It’s during this time they switch from a saltwater lifestyle to a freshwater lifestyle and begin the process of spawning.
The spawning of a Coho is an interesting process, one that requires much of the fish’s energy to complete. Before the fish is able to successfully spawn, the adults must return to their native streams or rivers to make nests in the gravel beds - a process known as redds. Then, the males and females will take turns sending out their eggs and milt, respectively, into the gravel. It’s quite a fascinating process to observe, as the salmon swim in coordinate circles, seemingly against the current. After this process is complete, the fish essentially die and the eggs are left to hatch in the gravel.
The Larvae Stage
After a few days, the eggs will begin to hatch and the salmon larvae begin the next leg of their journey. This stage lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks, during which time the larvae feed on plankton and other microorganisms present in the rivers and streams. Then once the larvae reach a certain size and age, they will then make their way to the ocean in order to complete the next phase of their lifecycle.
The Journey at Sea
The Coho’s journey at sea isn’t just an easy swim to the Pacific. The fish must travel hundreds of miles and make their way to feeding grounds where they can satisfy their appetite. Along the way, the fish are constantly in search of food and proper temperatures for their energy needs. One of the main reasons for their successful migration is their ability to store energy in their body for their long voyage. In terms of predators, however, the fish have many to worry about including sharks, orcas, and sea lions.
Maturing of the Coho
The Coho’s final stage of its journey is the most important – maturity. As these fish reach adulthood, they will begin to put on their silver hue which helps them to blend in with the rest of their environment. Once this happens, their diet shifts dramatically, their appetite growing and in turn, having an effect on their size. Throughout the entire process, the Coho will typically reach a size of 80-90 cm and 5-12 kg.
From Net to Plate
At this point, the journey of the Coho has finally come to an end, as it is now ready to be harvested and transported to the restaurant table. The most common way to catch and harvest this species of salmon is via net fishing, during which time boats with specially designed nets are used to scoop up the Coho and take it to shore. From there, the fish are processed and prepped for sale.
The final step of the process requires the fish to be transported to the restaurant, where it is then prepared to one’s specific taste. From sushi rolls to smoked salmon, each option is a delicious way to enjoy this wonderful fish.
The Impact of Overfishing
Although the process behind the creation and transport of a Coho salmon is incredible to witness and perhaps enjoy, it doesn’t come without its mounting concerns. For generations, the world’s oceans have been overfished for various reasons, particularly for the Coho species. As a result, the population of these fish has declined significantly, prompting the need for actions to be taken in order to prevent further depletion from occurring.
Fortunately, many governments have implemented regulations and restrictions on Coho fishing to help reduce the chances of overfishing. These measures have helped to improve the sustainability of many salmon populations, with some populations even on the rise. Below are some practical tips for the responsible stewardship of Coho salmon:
• Purchase only sustainable fish. When selecting a fish for your next meal, look for labels that certify that it’s wild caught fish, line-caught, or Aquaculture Certified, among other labels that guarantee the fish is sustainably harvested.
• Support fisheries that practice sustainable fishing. Look for fisheries who are actively participating in sustainability efforts.
• Limit your fish consumption. Try to limit the amount of fish you eat and explore other sources of protein like legumes, nuts, and grains.
• Volunteer at a local hatchery. Hatcheries are instrumental in aiding in the replenishment of salmon populations. By volunteering your time, you can help contribute to these efforts and make a small difference.
Conclusion
Coho salmon have a long and complex journey that many may not be aware of. But as the Coho’s transition from spawning it’s eggs to hitting a dinner plate is incredibly fascinating, we must ensure its done responsibly. Taking the above steps can go a long way in ensuring the continual health of Coho populations, so that the species can enjoyed for years to come.
Vitamin A | 0.051 mg | |
Vitamin D | 0.0113 mg | |
Vitamin D3 | 0.0113 mg | |
Vitamin E | 0.92 mg | |
Vitamin K | 0.1 ug | |
Vitamin C | 0.0014 grams | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.08 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.14 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.00795 grams | |
Vitamin B4 | 0.072 grams | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.81 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.57 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.013 mg | |
Vitamin B12 | 0.005 mg |
Calcium | 0.045 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.61 mg |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.033 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.322 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.434 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.058 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.56 mg |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Copper | 0.07 mg |
Daily Value 0.9 mg
|
Manganese | 0.02 mg |
Daily Value 0.0023 g
|
Selenium | 0.038 mg |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|
Tryptophan | 0.263 grams | |
Threonine | 1.028 grams | |
Isoleucine | 1.081 grams | |
Leucine | 1.906 grams | |
Lysine | 2.154 grams | |
Methionine | 0.694 grams | |
Cystine | 0.251 grams | |
Phenylalanine | 0.915 grams | |
Tyrosine | 0.792 grams | |
Valine | 1.208 grams | |
Arginine | 1.403 grams | |
Histidine | 0.69 grams | |
Alanine | 1.418 grams | |
Aspartic Acid | 2.401 grams | |
Glutamic Acid | 3.501 grams | |
Glycine | 1.126 grams | |
Proline | 0.829 grams | |
Serine | 0.957 grams |
Total Sugars | 0 ug |
per 100g
|
Myristic acid (14:0) | 0.15 grams |
|
Palmitic acid (16:0) | 0.68 grams |
|
Stearic acid (18:0) | 0.16 grams |
|
Total Saturated fatty acids: | 0.99 g | |
Erucic acid (22:1) | 0.15 grams |
|
Oleic acid (18:1) | 0.86 grams |
|
Palmitoleic acid (16:1) | 0.27 grams |
|
Gadoleic acid (20:1) | 0.28 grams |
|
Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: | 1.56 g | |
Omega-3 Timnodonic acid (20:5) | 0.4 grams |
|
Linolenic acid (18:3) | 0.06 grams |
|
Linoleic acid (18:2) | 0.06 grams |
|
Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: | 0.52 g | |
Cholesterol | 0.06 grams |
|
Total Sterols: | 0.06 g |