Trout & Salmon
Chum Salmon
Oncorhynchus keta
BothSalmonidaeLeast Concern
About
Chum salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow, and return to freshwater to spawn. They are characterized by their streamlined body, small adipose fin, and, during spawning, males develop pronounced humps and hooked snouts.
- Average size
- 24-40 inches, 10-30 lbs
- Colors
- Silver in the ocean, transitioning to olive green to dark gray with reddish-purple bars during spawning. Males develop black tiger stripes.
- Diet
- In the ocean, they feed on zooplankton, small fish, and insects. As juveniles in freshwater, they consume insects and small crustaceans.
- Region
- Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California)