There are several types of salmon, primarily categorized by species. The most well-known salmon types include:
Pacific Salmon (Genus: Oncorhynchus)
These are found in the Pacific Ocean and its tributaries.
- Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) – Also known as King Salmon, it's the largest and most prized for its rich, high-fat meat.
- Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) – Also called Silver Salmon, it has a milder flavor and is popular among sport fishers.
- Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) – Known as Red Salmon, it has deep red flesh and a strong flavor, often used for canning and smoking.
- Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) – The smallest and most abundant, often used in canned salmon.
- Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) – Also called Dog Salmon, it's less fatty and commonly used for roe (salmon eggs).
Atlantic Salmon (Genus: Salmo)
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) – The only salmon species native to the Atlantic Ocean. Wild populations are rare due to overfishing, but it's heavily farmed.
Other Variants
- Landlocked Salmon – Some salmon, like the Kokanee Salmon, are landlocked versions of Sockeye Salmon.
- Farmed Salmon – Includes species like Atlantic Salmon, commonly raised in aquaculture.
Each type of salmon has unique characteristics, flavors, and preferred habitats.
