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Chum Salmon

Oncorhynchus keta

Chum Salmon are shiny fish that live in the ocean and swim upstream to lay their eggs. They are known for their pinkish color and are a favorite food for many animals!

Habitat: Coastal areas and rivers

Appearance

The Chum Salmon has a silvery-blue back and flanks when in the ocean, fading to white underneath. During spawning, they develop distinctive dark vertical bars or blotches on their sides, and males grow large, hooked jaws with prominent teeth, earning them the nickname 'dog salmon'.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderSalmoniformesFamilySalmonidaeGenusOncorhynchus
Chum Salmon
colorful trait badgecoastal trait badgecarnivorous trait badgefreshwater trait badge
Chum Salmon

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Chum Salmon are semelparous, meaning they only reproduce once in their life before they die.

Chum Salmon eggs, called roe, are an important food source for many animals, from birds to bears!

They are sometimes called 'dog salmon' because of the large, canine-like teeth males develop during spawning.

They are the most widespread salmon species in the Pacific, found from California to Korea!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Navigator

Chum Salmon can navigate thousands of miles back to their exact birth river because of their incredible sense of smell.

Ability

Color Changer

Chum Salmon can dramatically change color from silver to vibrant greens and purples for camouflage and mating displays.

Ability

River Runner

Chum Salmon can swim long distances upstream in rivers, even leaping over obstacles, to reach their spawning grounds.

Measurements & details

Length
55-75 cm
Weight
4.5-10 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Swim Speed
30 km/h
Maximum Depth
250 m
Water Type
Brackish

Diet & Feeding

Chum Salmon are ocean hunters, feasting on small marine creatures.

Age differences: Young salmon eat plankton and insect larvae; adults primarily eat small fish and invertebrates in the ocean.

Primary Foods

  • zooplankton
  • small fish
  • squid
  • jellies
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Dog SalmonKeta Salmon

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always stay close to an adult when near water, as it can be slippery and deep.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Chum Salmon?

55-75 cm

How much does Chum Salmon weigh?

4.5-10 kg

How long does Chum Salmon live?

3-5 years

What does Chum Salmon eat?

Chum Salmon are ocean hunters, feasting on small marine creatures.

How fast can Chum Salmon swim?

30 km/h

Where is Chum Salmon usually found?

Coastal areas and rivers

How does Chum Salmon hunt?

Pursuit

How deep can Chum Salmon go?

250 m

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