
Keta Salmon
Join the journey of colorful champions in ocean waters!

The Basics
Scientific Name
Oncorhynchus keta
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Location
Northern Pacific Ocean
Average size
24 to 28 inches
diet
Plankton, insects, smaller fish
lifespan
3 to 6 years
Let’s Explore
Overview
Keta salmon, also called chum salmon, swim in the ocean and are part of the amazing fish family known as Salmonidae. These fish belong to the scientific class Actinopterygii, which means they have bony rays in their fins instead of cartilage like sharks.
Keta salmon can grow to an average size of 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 centimeters) long. These fish love to munch on plankton, insects, and smaller fish, making them the ultimate ocean snackers!
Keta salmon have a lifespan of 3 to 6 years, spending lots of time in the ocean before returning to freshwater rivers to spawn. When it's time to reproduce, the salmon's colors change, making them look quite striking and turning them into the best-dressed fish in the river.
This fish goes through some flashy transformations! Keta salmon start with a silvery body that shimmers in the ocean, but during spawning season, they can turn bright red and green. It's like nature's way of throwing a colorful party!
Keta salmon are known for their strong swimming abilities. They can travel long distances upstream, facing challenging currents—a true test of strength and determination. These salmon are like nature's athletes, racing upstream against the odds!
Young keta salmon begin their journeys in freshwater before heading out to the ocean, where they grow strong and large. They then return to the very rivers where they were born to begin the cycle all over again, ensuring the continuation of their species.
Where can you find a Keta Salmon in the wild?
What does a Keta Salmon eat?
How big can a Keta Salmon grow?
How long does a Keta Salmon typically live?
What is the conservation status of the Keta Salmon?
What are the main threats to the Keta Salmon?
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