What Do Salmon Look Like?

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As long as they dwell in saltwater, or in the depths of the Great Lakes, Atlantic and Pacific salmon look quite alike. Both have brightly silver-colored bodies. 

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Once they enter freshwater, however, all salmon types undergo significant physiological changes, making them look very different from each other.

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King or chinook salmon will turn dark brown or black and develop their distinct black gums and dark mouths. 

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Atlantic salmon can stay silvery for quite a while once they have entered freshwater. Later on, they will often turn a light brown or dark reddish color. 

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Chum salmon will turn dark green or brown in color and develop their amazing tiger stripe pattern of bold red and black stripes.

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Coho salmon will turn dark and develop black spots along their backs. They also have a reddish-maroon coloration on the sides and get white gums.

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Pink salmon become dark on the back and develop red, brownish, or green blotches on the sides. They also get distinctly humped backs.

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Sockeye salmon, with their green heads and bright red bodies, are perhaps the most beautiful of all the salmon types!

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Get even more interesting facts on the differences between the different salmon types via the link below!

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