Coho salmon in California

“Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch are a medium to large salmon, with spawning adults typically measuring 55 to 70 cm fork length and weighing from 3 to 6 kg (Moyle 2002). Spawning males are characteristically dark red on the sides, with the head and back dark green and the belly gray to black. Females are less colorful than males and often appear dull in comparison, with dark pink on the sides.”

“Most spawning males are characterized by a hooked jaw and slightly humped backs. The jaw is less hooked in jacks (2-year olds) and only very slightly hooked in females. Both sexes have small black spots on the dorsal (back) fin and upper lobe of the caudal (tail) fin, with no spots on the lower lobe of the caudal fin. The gums of the lower jaw are usually gray, except for the upper area at the base of the teeth, which is white (Figure 1).”