©Andi Hartl

Pink salmon

D-Buckellachs; GB-Pink salmon; DK-Pukkellaks; PL-Gorbusza; EST-Gorbuuša; RU-Горбуша; FIN-Kyttyrälohi; S-Puckellax

Characters

1) Adipose fin present.
2) Males possess a dominant hump during spawning season.
●) Black spots on caudal fin.
●) Flanks silvern to grey, brown or green, but without redish band.
Often 50 cm, max. 76 cm length.

Similar species

Rainbow trout - redish iridescent operculum and lateral band.

Atlantic salmon - caudal fin without black spots.

Sea trout - caudal fin without black spots.

Biology

After reaching sexual maturity with 2 years, the individuals migrate stream upwards. Females build one to four nests on the ground, in which about 50 to 1200 eggs are laid. Males and females defend the nests. After spawning all fish die.

Diet

They feed on fish, molluscs and crustaceans.

Importance

Of very high importance as food fish, in aquaculture and angling fish.

Endangerment

Not native in the Baltic Sea.