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Coho Salmon

What is coho salmon?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Oncorhynchus kisutch[1]
Common name Silver salmon[2]
Family Salmonidae[1]
Group Pacific salmon[1]
Life history Anadromous[4]
Range North Pacific Ocean; coastal streams and rivers from Alaska to central California[2]

Coho salmon is a species of Pacific salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus kisutch, and is also called silver salmon.

Context

Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, are a species of Pacific salmon found in the North Pacific Ocean and coastal rivers from Alaska to central California [2]. They are anadromous, meaning they migrate between freshwater and saltwater [4]. Coho salmon hatch in freshwater, then move to the ocean to feed and grow, and return to their natal streams to spawn [5]. Adult coho typically weigh 8 to 12 pounds and measure 24 to 30 inches long [5]. The Central California Coast population is listed as endangered [3].

Documented claims

  • Coho salmon hatch in freshwater streams and then migrate to the ocean to feed and grow. [5]
  • They return to their natal streams or rivers to spawn. [5]
  • Adult coho salmon usually weigh 8 to 12 pounds and are 24 to 30 inches long. [5]
  • The Central California Coast population is federally listed as endangered. [3]
  • Coho salmon are one of seven Pacific salmon species. [1]

Related

  • Chinook SalmonChinook salmon is another Pacific salmon species often compared with coho.
  • Sockeye SalmonSockeye salmon is another Pacific salmon species with distinct characteristics.

Questions and answers

Is coho salmon good quality?

Coho salmon is considered a high-quality fish, prized for its mild flavor and firm texture [1].

What is better, coho or sockeye salmon?

Both are excellent, but coho has a milder taste and lower fat content, while sockeye is richer and more flavorful [6].

What is the best way to cook coho salmon?

Coho salmon is versatile; grilling, baking, or pan-searing are all recommended methods to highlight its flavor [1].

Is coho salmon wild or farmed?

Coho salmon can be both wild and farmed, but wild-caught coho is generally preferred for sustainability and taste [1].

Sources

  1. Coho Salmon — fisheries.noaa.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Freshwater Fish of America - Coho salmon | FWS.gov — fws.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Coho Salmon - California Department of Fish and Wildlife — wildlife.ca.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. COHO Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. COHO SALMON Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com — dictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  6. Coho vs. Sockeye Salmon: Understanding the Difference — wildalaskancompany.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things