SOCKEYE SALMON

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SOCKEYE SALMON
Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum). The body of the sockeye is slightly elongated, the head is conical and the teeth are small and weak. They are distinguished from the other salmon by the absence of black spots on the back and tail fins. They average about 2.5 feet in length and under 5 pounds in weight. When male sockeye reach the Alsek-Tatshenshini waters at spawning time, their bodies turn brilliant red with metallic green heads. The upper jaw develops its characteristic hook and a slight hump forms behind the head. The female fish are a dark red with green and yellow blotches. After they hatch, young fry spend two years in freshwater lakes before migrating to the ocean where they spend the next three years. Sockeye are the most highly prized salmon because of the rich red, firm flesh.