Pronunciation: [kˈə͡ʊhə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "cohos" is commonly misspelled as "cohoes" due to its peculiar phonetic transcription. The IPA phonetic symbols help explain the spelling of this word. The first three symbols are /k/ /oʊ/ /z/, which represent the 'k' sound, the diphthong 'ow' sound, and the 'z' sound. However, the final symbol is a silent 's', indicated by the symbol /s/. Therefore, the correct spelling is "cohos" and not "cohoes" as the last 's' is silent.
Cohos is a plural noun that refers to a species of Pacific salmon. The scientific name for this fish is "Oncorhynchus kisutch". Cohos are commonly known as silver salmon or silvers due to their bright silver coloration. These fish are native to the Pacific Ocean and can be found along the North American coast from California to Alaska, as well as in the Asian waters of Japan and Russia.
Cohos are distinguishable by their torpedo-shaped bodies and small black spots on their back and tail. They typically grow to lengths of 29 to 33 inches and weigh between 7 and 15 pounds. During the spawning season, the mature males develop a hooked jaw and a dark red coloration on their sides, while the females have a greenish-blue tint.
Like other Pacific salmon species, the cohos are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to spend most of their lives, and then return to their natal streams to spawn. They have a unique lifecycle that involves leaping up rapids and waterfalls to reach their spawning grounds. Once they have laid their eggs, the adults generally die.
Cohos are highly valued for both recreational and commercial purposes. Their flesh is esteemed for its delicate flavor and firm texture, making them a popular choice among anglers and consumers of seafood. They are often caught using various techniques including trolling, fly fishing, and netting. Additionally, coho salmon play a significant role in the ecosystem as a food source for predators such as bears, eagles, and sea lions.
