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 CreekActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonCopper River DeltaEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateWPY2022alpha malebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnatureorganismquiveringspawning 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonEcologyFishHartney CreekInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaorganismphotographed 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.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcrossingoverin situlivingnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaorganismspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Male Coho Salmon gaping
Male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) threatens other males by gaping
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaorganismthreat postureunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Crossing over
Alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) stimulates female during courtship by crossing over the posterior end of her body.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSea Sea internal correction lensSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateWPY2022alpha malebiologicalbiospherebreeding pairchordatecourtshipcrossingoverin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnaturenear Cordovaorganismspawning 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.
ActinopterygiiAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebratealpha malebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwatergapingin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmale behaviormale threat posturemigratorynaturalworldorganismstreamunder 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateWPY2022aggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismsummerunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChinook SalmonChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonEcologyFishInfraclass TeleosteiKing SalmonNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaOncorhynchus tshawytschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismphotographed 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwatergapingin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsearunstreamthreat 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsearunstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild trout
Back-off!
This alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) aggressively defending his place from an intruding male by gaping.
ActinopterygiiAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwww.salmonography.com
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.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Female aggression
This female Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is gaping at an intruding female (outside the frame) in defence of her territory.
ActinopterygiiAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipfemale aggresisionfemale behaviorgapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Crossing-over
This male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) starts to cross over the female he is courting to stimulate her on.
ActinopterygiiAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcrossingoverin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Deflecting an intruder
A female Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) rises up from her redd building to threaten an intuder that had approached her by drifting downstream.
ActinopterygiiAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipfemale aggresisionfemale behaviorgapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Gaping
An alpha male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gapes at a female while she excavates her redd to stimulate her progress.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPower CreekReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipfemale behaviorgapingin situlivingnaturalworldnear Cordovaorganismredd excavationunderwater
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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipin situlivingnaturalworldnaturenuptial colorationocean brightorganismrun timingunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Quivering
A male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) closely approaches the female he is courting and quivers his body in an attempt to stimulate her to spawn.
ActinopterygiiAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourting paircourtshipin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnatureorganismquiveringunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Gaping male
A male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) threatens a challenger by gaping.
ActinopterygiiAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwww.salmonography.com
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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousstagingstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Three gaping Sockeye Salmon
Three Sockeye Salmon in this school are asserting themsleves by gaping.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCopper River DeltaEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSaddlebag CreekSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismstagingunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonEcologyFishInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcovering reddin situlateral displaylivingnaturalworldnatureorganismphotographed 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonEcologyFishInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionalpha malebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcovering reddgapingin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnatureorganismphotographed under waterspawning behaviorunderwaterunderwater photographyunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Male Pink Salmon challengers
A female Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) flanked by competing males signaling their desire to spawn with her by their gaping behavior. The larger male is the alpha male. He is much larger with a taller hump than the competing sneaker male. Photographed under water in an inter-tidal creek (at low tide) that is tributary to Prince William Sound, Alaska using a Canon EOS-1Ds Mk II camera in a Seacam underwater housing equipped with an 8-15mm fisheye lens set at 15mm.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCordovaEccles CreekEcologyHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousstreamsummerunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCordovaDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEccles CreekEcologyHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Courting Sockeye Salmon
A male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) approaches and quivers a female as part of courtship.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSearun Coastal Cutthroat TroutSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsearunstreamunder 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".
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutCordovaEccles CreekEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataPrince William SoundReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaspringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipin situlivingmale behaviornaturalworldnatureorganismquiveringunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmale behaviormale gapingmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat 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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha malebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmale behaviormigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismstreamunder 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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiPhylum ChordataReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousfresh waterfreshwaterin situiteroparityiteroparouslivingloticmigratorynaturalworldorganismspawning behaviorstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterwavingwildwild charwild charrwild trout
Keep away!
A female Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) gapes aggressively at an intruding female.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismthreat 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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratealpha maleanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmale behaviormigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalAutumnBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataChum SalmonClass ActinopterygiiDog SalmonEcologyFishHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaOncorhynchus ketaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipcovering redddiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmale behaviormale threat posturemigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismphotographed 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situintertidal spawninglivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousstreamunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon
Aggressive posture
Head-up aggressive posture by a male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoastal Cutthroat TroutDolly VardenDolly Varden CharDolly Varden CharrDolly Varden Charr southern formEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus clarkiiOncorhynchus clarkii clarkiiPacific troutPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSalvelinus malmaSalvelinus malma lordiSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSpringSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebratebiologicalbiospherechordatein situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild 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.
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyHumpback SalmonInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus gorbuschaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataPink SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionbiologicalbiospherechordategapingin situlivingnaturalworldnatureorganismunderwaterunderwaterphotowild
Snout up aggressive posture
Male Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) challenging another male by raising his snout. Aspect ratio = 3:4..
ActinopterygiiAlaskaAlaska wild salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsemelparitysemelparousspawning 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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiSummerTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonReproductive behaviorSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatecourtshipdiadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmale behaviormigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismquiveringsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus nerkaPacific salmonPhylum ChordataRed SalmonSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSockeye SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.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 salmonAnimalBiologyChordataClass ActinopterygiiCoho SalmonEcologyInfraclass TeleosteiNeopterygiiOncorhynchus kisutchPacific salmonPhylum ChordataSalmonidaeSalmoniformesSalmoninaeSeacam underwater housingSilver SalmonSouth Central AlaskaSubclass NeopterygiiTeleostTeleosteiUnited StatesVertebrateaggressionanadromousanadromous fishanadromybiologicalbiospherechordatediadromousdiadromyfresh waterfreshwaterin situlivingloticmigratorynaturalworldnatureorganismsalmonography.comsemelparitysemelparousstreamthreat postureunder fresh waterunderwaterunderwaterphotowildwild salmon