per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 0 g
0%
Proteins 23.5 g
23.5%
Fats 4.3 g
4.3%
Water 71.5 g
71.5%
Sugar 0 ug
Fiber 0 ug
Ash 1.3 grams

Coho Salmon

139 Calories per 100g

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.