The correct spelling of the word for a particular type of salmon is "Coho Salmon." It is spelled with a "c" at the beginning rather than a "k," and with an "h" in the middle, distinguishing it from the "sockeye" or "chinook" salmon. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Coho" is /ˈkoʊhoʊ/. The pronunciation is two syllables, with stress on the first syllable, and a long "o" sound in both syllables.
Coho Salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus kisutch, is a species of anadromous fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae. This species is commonly referred to as silver salmon, due to its shiny silver body coloration, especially during its ocean phase.
Coho Salmon is native to the Pacific Ocean and is mostly found in North America, particularly along the coastal waters of Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. It is also introduced in other regions, including the Great Lakes and New Zealand. This species has a typical lifespan of three to four years, although some individuals can live up to five or six years.
These fish are typically characterized by their streamlined bodies, which enable them to swim quickly and cover long distances during their oceanic migration. They possess silvery sides with dark blue or greenish-black dorsal surfaces and small black spots on their upper body. Coho Salmon are known for their significant size, with adults ranging from 24 to 36 inches in length and weighing from 8 to 20 pounds, although they can reach up to 31 pounds in exceptional cases.
Coho Salmon are highly valued for both commercial and sport fishing purposes. They are revered for their excellent taste and firm, pink-orange flesh. Furthermore, due to their importance in the ecosystem, their conservation and preservation are crucial. Overall, Coho Salmon is a remarkable species that plays a vital role in the balance of aquatic ecosystems and serves as a significant food source for numerous predators, including humans.
The word Coho is derived from the Salishan language family, spoken by several indigenous groups on the Northwest Coast of North America. Specifically, it comes from the Native American language of the Puget Sound Salish people, where the term sk-húp or s'khop refers to the silver or white color of the Coho salmon. The word Salmon itself has its origin in the Latin word salmo and the Old French word saumon, both of which ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root *selH- meaning to jump.