Pink Salmon
Fishermen know these salmon as “humpbacks” or “humpies” due to the humped back developed in males as they return to spawn. This species is found in streams and rivers from California north to the Mackenzie River, with their principal spawning areas between Puget Sound, Washington, and Bristol Bay, Alaska. They migrate to their home stream from July to October, and while some travel considerable distances upstream, the majority spawn in waters close to the sea. During the spawning period, both sexes change from their blue and silver colouring to a pale grey.
A peculiarity of this species is its fixed, two-year lifespan. Immediately after they emerge from the gravel in the spring, the young pink fry enter the ocean. After a few days to several months in the estuary and nearshore zone, they move out into the open ocean in large schools. There, pink salmon feed on tiny, nearly invisible animals called zooplankton — especially krill — which give their flesh the bright pink colour for which they are named.
Despite their short life span and small size, the migrations of pink salmon are extensive, covering thousands of kilometres from their home streams. During ocean feeding and maturing, pink salmon are dispersed throughout the Pacific Ocean from northern California to the Bering Sea. During fall and winter, pink salmon spend more time in the southern parts of their range.
Identification
- Mouth: White with black gums; in marine areas, almost no teeth.
- Tail: V-shaped, no silver; large oval spots on both lobes.
- Distinguishing features: Large spots on back; smallest Pacific salmon species.
- Age at maturity: 2 years.
- Freshwater markings: Pronounced hump on male.
- Flesh colour: Pink.
- Size: 2–5 kg (4–11 lbs).
