How to Identify Pink Salmon

To identify Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

In the ocean, they are silvery with small, oval-shaped black spots on the back and entire caudal fin. Spawning males develop a pronounced hump on their back, and both sexes become dark on the back with pale to white bellies, often with blotchy green, brown, or reddish coloration on their sides.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Very small scales compared to other salmon species., Large, oval-shaped black spots on the back and entire caudal fin., Spawning males develop a prominent dorsal hump., White mouth with black gums.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, relatively small, located mid-body. Adipose fin present.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, heavily spotted.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin present, characteristic of salmonids. The caudal fin is notably spotted throughout.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Smallest Pacific salmon, typically 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) in length and 1-3 kg (2-6 lbs) in weight.

2. 2

   Spots

   Presence of large, oval-shaped black spots on the back and the entire caudal (tail) fin. This is a key differentiator from other salmon species.

3. 3

   Mouth Coloration

   White mouth with black gums, distinguishing it from Chum Salmon (white mouth, white gums) and Sockeye Salmon (white mouth, white gums).

4. 4

   Spawning Morphology (Males)

   Spawning males develop a very pronounced, fleshy hump on their back, giving them the common name 'humpy'.

5. 5

   Scale Size

   Possess very small scales, which can be felt by running a finger against the grain of the scales.

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