They weigh between 1.3 and 14 kg s. In the Strait of Georgia from April to early June, small Coho passing from the grilse stage to maturity are called Blue backs. Unlike the other Salmon species, the tail of a Pink has no silver in it. In the sea, Pinks have silver bodies with spotted backs. They are more abundant in Northern waters in odd numbered years.
Pinks live only two years.
When they start the spawning cycle of their lives, they will develop humps and hooked upper jaws. The Sockeye is almost toothless, with prominent, glassy eyes. Slimmest and most streamlined on the Pacific species lives from four to five years. It usually weighs between 2.2 kg. and 3.1 kg. Young Sockeye remain in fresh water nursery lakes a year or more before migrating to the sea.