Signaling
Male Coho Salmon quivers female
An alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) comes alongside a female and quivers his body as part of courtship communication in a stained water Alaska stream in the Copper River Delta, Alaska during the autumn.
18mile CreekActinopterygiiAlaskaAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonCopper River DeltaInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha malebiospherechordatecourtshipin situmale behaviornaturalworldnaturequiveringspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
An alpha male Chum Salmon gapes
An alpha male Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) gapes while courting the female just ahead of him signaling his intentions to her as well as threatening two rival and gaping males. As well, another female watches as she is guarding her redd just downstream. Also visible at the top of the frame in this topside view is a school of migrating salmon in deeper water.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonFishHartney CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatecovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaphotographed under watersemelparitysemelparousspawningspawning actspawning behaviorstreamtopsideunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Courting Sockeye Salmon
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) crosses over a female to stimulate her to excavate the redd is part of courtship.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatecourtshipcrossingoverin situnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
The gape threat
Male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) signaling a threat by gaping. Photographed in situ using a Canon 1Dx camera in a Seacam underwater housing.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordategapingin situnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovathreat postureunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Crossing over
Alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) stimulates female during courtship by crossing over the posterior end of her body.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha malebiospherechordatecourtshipcrossingoverin situnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Gape threat
While guarding his position to spawn with a female excavating her redd, this Alpha male Coho Salmon (Onorhynchus kisutch) ) threatens an intruder by gaping. Potential snear males flank the spawning couple alongside and downstream of the redd.
ActinopterygiiAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebratealpha malebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
A Dolly Varden male being agressive by gaping.
A Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) male being agressive by gaping. Underwater image in an Alaska stream during autumn.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwatergapingin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmale behaviormale threat posturemigratorynaturalworldstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterwildwild charwild charrwild salmonwild trout
Gaping male Sockeye Salmon
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) schooled alongside Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) gapes to sert his dominance among the other males competeing for a female in the school.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordategapingin situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Gaping Chum Salmon
A Gaping male Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in a school of conspecifics on their spawning migration in Montana Creek, near Talkeetna, Alaska.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChinook SalmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonFishInfraclass TeleosteiKing SalmonNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaOncorhynchus tshawytschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatecovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturephotographed under watersemelparitysemelparousspawning behaviorstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Cutthroat Trout gaping
Male Searun Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) gaping during spawning migration is asserting his position in the stream.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwatergapingin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesearunstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild charwild salmonwild trout
Male Cutthroat Trout flared throat aggressive display
Male Searun Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) challenging another fish by using the flared throat aggressive display, which reveals the red slashes giving the species its name.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesearunstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild trout
Double Aggression
Both the female Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus) and her alpha male are making aggressive gapes as part of the courtship process. The female is defening her spot (redd location) from another female (tail in frame at left) while the alpha male is flanked by two hook-nosed contenders for his spot as mate.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Gaping Coho Salmon
A male and female Coho Salmon a.k.a. Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) exchange gapes while schooled near spawning habitat.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnaturenuptial colorationocean brightrun timingunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Sockeye Salmon emerging from glacial water
Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) emerging from glacial water in a staging area. Gaping male signaling his dominance is at the lead. Aspect Ratio = 1:1.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousstagingstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Three gaping Sockeye Salmon
Three Sockeye Salmon in this school are asserting themsleves by gaping.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaChordataClass ActinopterygiiCopper River DeltaInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSaddlebag CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordategapingin situnaturalworldnaturestagingunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Lateral display
Male Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) agression: lateral display. One male is challenging the other for alpha male position with this aggressive display.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonFishInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatecovering reddin situlateral displaynaturalworldnaturephotographed under waterspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Gaping stimulation
With the female off her redd (to his left), a Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) alpha male gapes attempting to stimulate the female resuming her redd excavation in spite of two competing and disruptive males and a guarding female lurking down and upstream, respectively.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonFishInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionalpha malebiospherechordatecovering reddgapingin situnaturalworldnaturephotographed under waterspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Gaping female Pink Salmon
Female Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) signaling a threat with her gape while a Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) lurks on the bottom. Aspect ratio = 1:2.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCordovaDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEccles CreekHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Courting Sockeye Salmon
A male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) approaches and quivers a female as part of courtship.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Searun Coastal Cutthroat Trout pair in a small stream
Searun Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) male signaling a female by his raised head posture in a small tributary of Prince William Sound, Alaska. Aspect Ratio = 2:3.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesearunstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild trout
Courting Searaun Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Searaun Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) courting in a stream. The male is quivering the female as well as displaying his "cutthroat".
ActinopterygiiAlaskaChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaspringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situmale behaviornaturalworldnaturequiveringunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Gaping Coho Salmon male
To encouage his mate to spawn, a male Coho Salmon a.k.a. Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gapes in an Alaska, USA stream during the autumn.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmale behaviormale gapingmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Dolly Varden spawning pair
Alpha male southern form Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma lordi) signals the female during courtship by extending and quivering his colorful paired fins. There is a small cascade in the background.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha malebiospherechordatediadromousfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturestreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild charwild charrwild trout
Dolly Varden spawning pair
Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) probing her redd as the male sends signals by crossing over and quivering his colorful paired fins . Aspect ratio = 2:3.
AlaskaPacificSalmonprobingSalmonBehaviorActinopterygiiAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatediadromousfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparousloticmigratorynaturalworldspawning behaviorstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterwavingwildwild charwild charrwild trout
Keep away!
A female Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gapes aggressively at an intruding female.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnaturethreat postureunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Female Coho Salmon probes while male gapes
Female Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) probes while alpha male encouages her to spawn by gaping. Aspect Ratio = 1:2.
AlaskaPacificSalmonprobingSalmonBehaviorActinopterygiiAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha maleanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousspawning behaviorstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Maturing Coho Salmon
A still bright Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gapes while holding near a spawning area. Aspect Ratio = 1:2.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAutumnChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousspawning migrationstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Pink salmon spawning migration
Potential alpha male Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) gaping during spawning migration. Underwater view in an Alaskan stream during the summer.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonFishHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatecovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmale behaviormale threat posturemigratorynaturalworldnaturephotographed under watersalmonography.comschoolingsemelparitysemelparousspawning behaviorspawning migrationstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Sneaker male courting
A Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) sneaker male courts a female that is in the process of building her redd while the alpha male is away fighting. He is attempting to stimulate the female into spawning using crossing over and gaping as signals. Underwater view in an Alaskan intertidal stream during the summer.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situintertidal spawningloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Aggressive posture
Head-up aggressive posture by a male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Coastal Cutthroat Trout displaying red throat slashes
Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii; in picture at left) displaying red throat slashes while in a staging area prior to spawning. Aspect Ratio = 2:3.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiospherechordatein situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild charwild charrwild trout
Aggressive male
This male Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) is signaling his aggressive intent by gaping. As well, scars running along his back suggest a recent history of combat.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaChordataClass ActinopterygiiHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiospherechordategapingin situnaturalworldnatureunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Snout up aggressive posture
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) challenging another male by raising his snout. Aspect ratio = 3:4..
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Sockeye courtship behavior
A male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) defending his place with a female (at the far left) with a snout up aggressive posture. Aspect ratio = 1:2.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousspawning behaviorstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Snout up aggressive posture
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) challenging another male by raising his snout. Aspect Ratio = 2:3.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Coho Salmon doing gaping threat display
Male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) doing the gaping threat display. Aspect Ratio = 1:2.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Sockeye Salmon spawning pair
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) quivering (courtship) a female, which generates surface waves. Aspect Ratio = 3:4.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmale behaviormigratorynaturalworldnaturequiveringsalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Sockeye Salmon threat posture
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) threatening another male by raising his snout. Aspect Ratio = 3:4.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Coho Salmon gaping during spawning migration
Potential alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gaping during spawning migration. Aspect Ratio 1:2.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Aspect ratio = 4:5.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiCordovaHartney BayHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturesemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Sockeye Salmon male gaping threat display
Gaping, a threat display by a male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Aspect Ratio = 1:2.5.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonChordataClass ActinopterygiiInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwatergapingin situloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureportfoliosalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon