Image: Zombie Fish (Kokanee Salmon) (22583777446)

Description: Kokanee Salmon are the landlocked version of the sockeye salmon. Their native range is in the Pacific Northwest. They have been introduced to a number of systems in the US (<a href="https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=915" rel="nofollow">nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=915</a>) where dams have been built. In Wyoming, the Green River through Seedskadee NWR has spawning Kokanee salmon that were originally introduced to Flaming Gorge Reservior. After feeding on primarily plankton in Flaming Gorge for 3 to 4 years, they migrate upstream in the fall to spawn in gravels in the Green River. Spawning areas are called "Redds" and literally turn red with Kokanee. After spawning is completed, both male and females deteriorate and then die. They are eaten by bald eagles, river otters, raccons, herons, coyotes, gulls, crayfish, other fish species, and other wildlife. Once the eggs hatch, the new alevins remain in the gravels through the winter. In the spring, the kokanee fry drift downstream to Flaming Gorge Reservior before returning to spawn 3 to 4 years later. <a href="http://www.fws.gov/zombiefish/" rel="nofollow">www.fws.gov/zombiefish/</a> Photo: A spawing male Kokanee salmon on Seedskadee NWR. Tom Koerner/USFWS
Title: Zombie Fish (Kokanee Salmon) (22583777446)
Credit: Zombie Fish (Kokanee Salmon)
Author: USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No