ENVIRONMENT YUKON
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Yukon Fish Species
Arctic Char
Arctic Grayling
Bull Trout
Burbot
Dolly Varden
Inconnu
Lake Trout
Pike
Rainbow Trout
Whitefish - Lake
Salmon - Chinook
Salmon - Chum
Salmon - Coho
Salmon - Sockeye
Salmon - Kokanee
Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka

Physical Characteristics
- The body of the sockeye is slightly elongated, the head is conical and the teeth are small and weak.
- They are distinguished from other salmon by the absence of black spots on the back and tail fins, and from chum salmon by their numerous, slender gillrakers.
- They average about 45 to 70 cm (18 to 28”) in length and 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to 7 lbs) 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.
Habitat
- 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 a highly prized salmon because of the rich red, firm flesh.
Additional Resources
Contact Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Environment Yukon Government of Yukon Box 2703 (V-5A) Phone: 867-667-5721 Email: fisheries@gov.yk.ca |
Last Updated: April 11, 2011 | © 2012 Government of Yukon | Copyright | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer







