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Return to All About Salmon   

Pink Salmon
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Common Name(s):

Humpback salmon, fall salmon
Description:

The large, black, oval-shaped spots on both halves of the tail and large spots on the back and the adipose fin can identify the pink salmon. At spawning time the male is easily recognized by its extremely humpbacked appearance. The flesh is pink rather than red or white color of the other salmon.
Similar Fish:

Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon
Feeding Habits:

The pink salmon fry feed on plankton, larval fishes, and occasional insects. As the pink salmon reaches adulthood it will begin eating squid and small fish such as herring.
Range:

It is native to Pacific and Arctic coastal waters from northern California to the Mackenzie River, Canada, and to the west from the Lena River in Siberia to Korea. The pink salmon has spread to Lake Superior and Lake Huron since its introduction into Quebec and Nova Scotia, Canada.

Habitat:

Pink salmon rely heavily on freshwater and near shore habitats during their life cycle and spawn primarily in the lower reaches of coastal rivers.
Typical Size:

The pink salmon is the smallest of the Pacific salmon found in North America with an average weight of about 3.5 to 4 pounds and average length of 20-25 inches. The lifespan of the pink salmon is a short 2 years.
World Record:

14 pounds, 13 ounces (Source - IGFA)
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