Salmon, Sockeye

The name sockeye comes from a poor attempt to translate the word suk-kegh from British Columbia’s native Coast Salish language. Sockeye salmon is the third most common Pacific salmon species. The sockeye, also called red or blueback salmon, is among the smaller of the seven Pacific salmon species, but their succulent, bright-orange meat is prized above all others. They range in size from 24 to 33 inches (60 to 84 centimeters) in length and weigh between 5 and 15 pounds (2.3 to 7 kilograms). Like all other Pacific salmon, they are born in fresh water. However, sockeye require a lake nearby in which to rear. Once hatched, juvenile sockeyes will stay in their natal habitat for up to three years, more than any other salmon. They then journey out to sea, where they grow rapidly, feeding mainly on zooplankton. They stay in the ocean for one to four years. Sockeye are blue tinged with silver while living in the ocean. Just prior to spawning, both sexes turn red with green heads and sport a dark stripe on their sides. Males develop a hump on their back. The jaws and teeth become hooked in freshwater; this hook is known as a kype and is used for fighting other males.