Chum Salmon
Dog Salmon
Scientific Classification
The chum salmon is in the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Actinopterygii, order Salmonifores, genus Oncorhynchus, and species Oncorhynchus keta. It's binomial name is Oncorhynchus keta.
Features of the chum
They have a silver like, blue-green body. When they move into fresh water their color shifts to an olive green. Males typically have a longer snout than females. They live for an average of 6 to 7 years.
Reproduction and life
Most chum salmon reproduce in streams. Their reproductive schedule runs from March through July. The female covers the freshly laid eggs with gravel. They can lay up to 4000 eggs!
distribution
They are usually spawned in Korea, Japan, and northern Russia. In North America they are commonly distributed throughout the coastal regions of Canada, and America, and as far south as Monterey, California.
Habitat
The Chum Salmon usually migrate almost immediately after birth to the ocean, which is usually within 62 miles. This is in great contrast to other pacific salmons. They undergo a large change when they convert from freshwater streams, to a large saltwater ocean.