ExploreFish

Pink Salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

The Pink Salmon is the smallest salmon species and is known for its light pink flesh! They are very abundant and easy to catch.

Habitat: Ocean and freshwater rivers

Appearance

The Pink Salmon is silver in the ocean with tiny scales and large oval spots on its back and tail. During spawning, males develop a distinctive, very large hump on their back and a hooked jaw, changing to an olive-green and brown hue.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderSalmoniformesFamilySalmonidaeGenusOncorhynchus

Pink Salmon

Interesting facts

Baby pink salmon, called fry, rush to the ocean almost immediately!

Males grow a striking hook-jaw and hump for spawning!

Pink Salmon are the most numerous Pacific salmon species!

They have a super short two-year lifespan, then they're done!

Special abilities

Pink Salmon can survive in both fresh and saltwater by adapting their bodies because of their anadromous life cycle.

Male Pink Salmon develop a large dorsal hump during spawning to display dominance and intimidate rivals for mates.

Pink Salmon can find their way back to their exact birth river using their amazing sense of smell.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-60 cm
Weight: 1-2.5 kg
Lifespan: 2 years
Swim Speed: 12 km/h
Max Depth: 250 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

Pink Salmon eat tiny ocean creatures like plankton and small fish, growing bigger in the sea!

Age differences: Young salmon eat zooplankton and insects in estuaries; adults primarily eat small fish, krill, and squid in the ocean.

Primary Foods

copepods
krill
small squid
small fish

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Grizzly Bear

Ursus arctos

Spawning salmon are a vital food source.

eats

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Eagles snatch salmon from rivers during migrations.

eats

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Seals prey on salmon in coastal waters.

eaten by

Pacific Krill

Euphausia pacifica

Krill are a primary food source for adults.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.