Many people wonder if “Chinook salmon” and “King salmon” are the same. This article clarifies their relationship, characteristics, and naming origins.
Understanding the Names
“King salmon” and “Chinook salmon” are common names for the same species, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Multiple common names for a single species are common in biology, often due to regional preferences or historical usage. The scientific name provides a universal identifier, avoiding confusion.
This species is one of the seven Pacific salmon species, five of which are found in North America. While “King salmon” and “Chinook salmon” are the most prominent common names, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha also goes by other regional names such as Quinnat salmon, Spring salmon, Blackmouth, and Tyee salmon.
Defining Characteristics
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is the largest Pacific salmon species. These fish typically reach 3 feet and 30 pounds, though some can grow to 4.9 feet and 129 pounds. In the ocean, they have a blue-green back and head, silvery sides, and a white belly. Distinct black spots appear on their upper body and tail fin, and a black pigment along their gum line earns them the nickname “blackmouth.”
These salmon are anadromous, meaning they hatch in freshwater rivers and streams, migrate to the saltwater ocean to feed and mature, and then return to their natal freshwater environments to spawn. Their life cycle involves spending one to eight years in the ocean before returning to their birth rivers. When preparing to spawn in freshwater, their coloration changes to olive brown, red, or purplish hues, a transformation particularly noticeable in males. Their rich flavor and high oil content contribute to their reputation as a highly prized fish in the culinary world.
Origins of the Names
The two prominent common names for Oncorhynchus tshawytscha stem from historical and regional influences. “King salmon” is attributed to the fish’s size, prestige, and superior quality, highlighting its large stature and desirable characteristics, especially in regions like Alaska where it is the state fish.
The name “Chinook” originates from the Chinookan peoples, Indigenous groups residing in the Pacific Northwest, particularly along the Columbia River. This name reflects the historical and cultural significance of the fish to these native communities. Regional variations in naming are also common; for instance, this species is known as “Spring salmon” in British Columbia due to its early return to some rivers.