CHUM SALMON Meaning and
Definition
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Chum salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus keta, is a species of fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae. It is also commonly referred to as dog salmon due to its large, dog-like teeth that develop during the spawning season. Chum salmon are native to the Pacific Ocean and can be found in coastal waters in North America and Asia.
This species typically has an elongated, slender body with a slightly forked tail and silvery coloration. However, as they approach spawning, their appearance undergoes a dramatic change. Mature chum salmon develop a dark, bluish-green coloration on their backs, with vertical stripes and a red or maroon tint on the sides. The males also develop large, canine-like teeth and a distinctive hooked jaw, which they use for battling other males during the breeding season.
Chum salmon are an anadromous species, which means they are born in freshwater rivers and streams, spend their adult life in the ocean, and return to their natal streams to reproduce. They are known for their remarkable spawning migrations, traveling long distances upstream to lay their eggs in gravel nests called redds. After spawning, the adult fish usually die, providing important nutrients to their environment.
Chum salmon are an important commercial and subsistence species, both for their meat and their roe, which is commonly used in the production of caviar. They are also a valuable resource for wildlife, as they provide a significant food source for bears, eagles, and other predators.
Overall, chum salmon are a fascinating species known for their distinctive appearance, unique life cycle, and ecological significance in the Pacific Northwest and Asia.
Common Misspellings for CHUM SALMON
- xhum salmon
- vhum salmon
- fhum salmon
- dhum salmon
- cgum salmon
- cbum salmon
- cnum salmon
- cjum salmon
- cuum salmon
- cyum salmon
- chym salmon
- chhm salmon
- chjm salmon
- chim salmon
- ch8m salmon
- ch7m salmon
- chun salmon
- chuk salmon
- chuj salmon
- chum aalmon
Etymology of CHUM SALMON
The word "Chum" in the term "Chum Salmon" comes from the Chinook Jargon, a trade language that was traditionally used in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. In this context, "Chum" is derived from the Chinook word "tsum", which means "spotted" or "marked".
"Salmon" on the other hand, originates from the Middle English and Old French word "samoun", which in turn comes from the Latin word "salmo". The Latin term likely has its roots in a Celtic word meaning "to leap" or "to jump", referring to the impressive jumping ability of salmon while swimming upstream to spawn.
So, the name "Chum Salmon" essentially refers to the species' characteristic markings or spots, combined with the general term "salmon" referring to its genus.
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