Correct spelling for the English word "coho" is [kˈə͡ʊhə͡ʊ], [kˈəʊhəʊ], [k_ˈəʊ_h_əʊ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Coho, also known as silver salmon or Oncorhynchus kisutch, is a type of Pacific salmon species found in the coastal waters of North America. It is native to the Pacific Ocean, from California in the United States to Alaska and the Bering Sea, as well as in streams and rivers that flow into these waters.
Coho salmon are highly valued for their delicious flesh, making them a popular choice among both commercial and sport fishermen. They have a streamlined body with a metallic silver color on their sides and back, and small black spots on their upper body and tail. During spawning, the males develop a large hooked jaw and their color shifts to a vibrant red.
These salmon typically spawn in fresh water, usually in the same rivers where they were born. After hatching, the young coho spend up to two years in these rivers before migrating to the ocean. They then spend one to two years in the open ocean, feeding on small fish and plankton, before returning to their natal rivers to spawn.
Coho salmon play a vital role in marine and freshwater ecosystems, as they are an important food source for various animals, such as bears, eagles, and orcas. They also contribute to nutrient cycling by transporting marine-derived nutrients from the ocean to rivers and forests through their carcasses.
Due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and other factors, coho salmon populations have faced significant declines in some regions. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and sustainable fishing practices, are crucial for the long-term survival of this species.
The word "coho" is derived from the Native American language, specifically from the Salish language family spoken by indigenous peoples along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. The Salish people have closely observed and interacted with the wildlife in their region for centuries, and they named various animals and plants in their language. "Coho" comes from the Salish word "sx̣ʷəx̣ʷúyəp", which refers to the coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). This word was later Anglicized into "coho" and has become the popular term used to identify this particular species of salmon.