Information on Wild Alaska Salmon Skin and Flesh Color
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye Salmon are categorized as Ocean Caught or Bright Sockeye and Semi-bright according to skin coloration. This category grading may vary by company, market requirements and buyer's specifications. Categories are usually agreed upon by buyer and seller at the time the product is sold.
This guide depicts color changes in fresh Sockeye Salmon. Please note that changes in skin color may occur after freezing. Slight differences in color may also be attributable to the geographic region in which the fish was caught.
This guide documents skin color, not meat color.
Ocean Caught or Bright Sockeye are a deep greenish-blue on the top of the head and back, silver on the sides with a white belly. The backs of Semi-bright fish turn to a dull black and the belly may exhibit slight darkening.
Alaska range: Southeastern Alaska to Nome
Fishing methods: Gillnet, Seine
Quantity: Sockeye average 31.0% by fish of the annual Alaska salmon harvest and 33.3% by weight of the annual Alaska salmon harvest.
One of the most valuable and abundant of the Alaska salmon, Sockeye have a deep, red flesh. Sockeye can grow to almost three feet in length and weigh up to 15 pounds but will average 25 inches in length and weigh 6 pounds.
Sockeye or Red Salmon have long been canned, but in more recent years they are becoming increasingly favored in the fresh and frozen states as their unique characteristics become more widely known.
Sockeye Salmon are categorized as Ocean Caught or Bright Sockeye and Semi-bright according to skin coloration. This category grading may vary by company, market requirements and buyer's specifications. Categories are usually agreed upon by buyer and seller at the time the product is sold.
This guide depicts color changes in fresh Sockeye Salmon. Please note that changes in skin color may occur after freezing. Slight differences in color may also be attributable to the geographic region in which the fish was caught.
