Coho vs. Sockeye vs. King Salmon: What’s the Difference?

by Kyle Lee May 20, 2024

Salmon is well-loved around the world for its delicious taste, rich nutritional profile, and versatility in the kitchen! Coho, Sockeye, and King salmon are three varieties considered favorites by seafood lovers. They have high omega-3 fatty acid content and flavorful flesh.

However, each type also has its unique characteristics that make it special. You might be asking yourself, “Which one should I buy?” To help you choose the best salmon, we prepared this comparison guide. Learn their physical appearance, habitat, taste, and more.

What’s the Difference Between Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and King Salmon?

While Coho, Sockeye, and King salmon are all exceptional, some differences set them apart. You could be looking for salmon that tastes rich and buttery or one with a subtle flavor.

Below, we’ll weigh certain factors so that you can select the salmon that best fits your culinary needs:

	Coho Salmon	Sockeye Salmon	King Salmon
Physical Appearance	Lighter and pinkish-orange flesh Weigh 6-12 pounds	Vibrant red or deep orange flesh Weigh 4-8 pounds	Lighter pink to orange flesh that’s less intense compared to Sockeye but richer than Coho Weigh 10-30 pounds
Habitat	Native to the North Pacific Ocean Spend 1-2 years in freshwater before migrating to the ocean	Primarily found in the North Pacific Ocean Spawn in streams and rivers, often near lakes where juveniles will rear	Spawn in larger mainstem rivers and larger tributaries Spend 3-6 months in freshwater before migrating to the ocean
Life Cycle	Typically a 3-year life cycle The first year of their life in freshwater, and 18-24 months in the ocean	Typically a 4-5-year life cycle 1-2 years growing in freshwater streams or lakes, and 2-3 years in the ocean	Typically a 3-7-year life cycle Several months to a year in freshwater, and 2-4 years in the ocean
Taste & Texture	Has a mild and slightly sweet flavor Tender and somewhat flaky, can hold up well in different cooking methods	Robust and rich flavor Firm and dense, suitable for grilling and smoking	Indulgent, rich, and buttery flavor due to its higher fat content Melt-in-your-mouth texture, great for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing
Nutrition	3-ounce serving: 18 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 124 calories	3-ounce serving: 19 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and only 111 calories	3-ounce serving: 17 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 152 calories
Price & Availability	Lower price than Sockeye and King salmon Typically available from late summer to early fall	More expensive than Coho salmon, but less expensive than King salmon Supply is higher during peak seasons (mid-July through August in Alaska)	The most expensive of all three varieties of salmon Less abundant than Coho and Sockeye salmon, and most King salmon are caught in the wild

Physical Appearance

Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, typically has a lighter, pinkish-orange flesh compared to Sockeye and King salmon. The color can vary slightly depending on the diet and environment but generally remains a vibrant hue. Furthermore, they are smaller than King salmon and weigh 6 to 12 pounds.

Sockeye salmon, or red salmon, is known for its vibrant red flesh and a more streamlined, slender body compared to King salmon. Their deep, rich red or orange flesh makes them among the most intensely colored of all the Pacific salmon species. They are smaller, usually weighing between 4 to 8 pounds.

King salmon, also called Chinook salmon, features a lighter, pink to orange flesh, which is less intense in color compared to Sockeye but richer than Coho. The flesh is also known for its high-fat content, which gives it a creamy appearance. It’s the largest of the three, often weighing between 10 to 30 pounds.

Habitat

Coho salmon are native to the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from northern California up to the Arctic Ocean, including parts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia. They are also found in some river systems along the Pacific coast of North America. They spend most of their life in the ocean but return to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn.

Sockeye salmon are primarily found in the North Pacific Ocean, from northern California up to the Arctic Ocean. They are abundant in Alaska and British Columbia and are also present in some rivers in Russia. Many Sockeye populations are lake-spawning, meaning they enter lakes to spawn and then migrate back to the ocean.

Like other salmon, King salmon spend most of their life in the ocean. They return to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn, choosing a variety of habitats ranging from large rivers to smaller streams. Compared to Coho and Sockeye, King salmon can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures and habitat conditions.

Life Cycle

The life cycles of Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and King Salmon exhibit distinct patterns that reflect their unique reproductive strategies and environmental adaptations.

Coho salmon typically have a 3-year life cycle. They hatch in freshwater rivers or streams and spend the first year or so of their life in these environments. After this initial freshwater stage, Coho salmon migrate to the ocean, where they spend about 18 to 24 months and grow rapidly. Finally, they return to their natal freshwater streams to spawn (typically in the fall).

Sockeye salmon’s life cycle often spans 4-5 years. After hatching in freshwater streams or lakes, where they spend 1-2 years growing and developing, they migrate to the ocean. This usually happens in the spring or early summer. They spend the majority of their life in the ocean, about 2-3 years, where they feed and travel long distances. Finally, they migrate back to their spawning grounds and overcome various obstacles in the process.

King salmon, or Chinook salmon, has the most variable life cycle of the three species, ranging from 3-7 years. First, they hatch in large river systems and their young fish, known as fry, remain for several months to a year. As the juvenile salmon reach around 6 to 12 months of age, they migrate to the ocean where they spend approximately 2 to 4 years growing rapidly and maturing. Upon reaching maturity, they return to their natal rivers to spawn.

Taste & Texture

All three types of salmon—Coho, Sockeye, and King—are delicious, although they have distinct taste and texture profiles that suit different palates and dishes.

Coho salmon has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's less pronounced than Sockeye or King salmon. The flesh is moderately firm and offers a subtle taste that is less intense than other salmon varieties. Coho is a wonderful choice for those who prefer a more understated fish flavor and want salmon that can hold up well in various cooking methods.

Sockeye salmon is known for its robust, rich flavor. It has a more intense, slightly earthy taste compared to Coho and King salmon which can be described as “pronounced.” As for the texture, it’s firm and dense and holds up well to grilling and smoking. These cooking methods are great for enhancing its already strong flavor.

King Salmon is often considered the most luxurious and flavorful of the three, with a higher fat content that contributes to its indulgent taste. Its rich, buttery flavor and silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture make King salmon highly sought after in gourmet cuisine. It’s excellent for grilling, broiling, or simply pan-searing!

Nutrition

The nutritional profiles of salmon are important for several reasons, especially given the health benefits associated with consuming this fish.

Coho salmon is slightly leaner compared to King salmon but still provides a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It offers a balanced nutritional profile with moderate fat content and high protein levels. A 3-ounce serving provides about 18 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 124 calories [*]. It is also rich in vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals like selenium, which support immune function.

Sockeye salmon offers about 19 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and only 111 calories [*]. Additionally, Sockeye is packed with vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune health, along with a robust dose of antioxidants like astaxanthin, which gives it its distinctive red color and provides anti-inflammatory benefits [*].

King salmon has the highest fat content, especially omega-3 fatty acids, among the three species. A 3-ounce service provides about 17 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 152 calories [*]. It is also rich in vitamins B6, B12, and D, as well as essential minerals like potassium and selenium.

Price and Availability

Coho, Sockeye, and King salmon differ significantly in terms of pricing and availability, which reflects their market demand.

Coho salmon is often more affordable and widely available compared to Sockeye and King salmon. It is commonly found in both wild-caught and farm-raised forms, with fresh Coho typically available from late summer to early fall. Since its price is often lower than that of Sockeye and King salmon, Coho is a more budget-friendly option!

Sockeye salmon often commands a higher price compared to Coho salmon, although it is usually less expensive than King salmon. It’s typically caught in the wild, and its fishing can be more challenging and labor-intensive. During peak seasons, the supply may be higher, but during off-season, it can be more scarce and expensive.

King salmon is the most expensive and least widely available of the three species. This is due to its rich, buttery flavor and high-fat content, which contribute to its premium status. Most King salmon are caught in the wild, and their fishing can be more resource-intensive. The higher price reflects the challenges of sustainable harvesting and the smaller populations compared to Coho and Sockeye.

As a result, King salmon is often featured in gourmet markets and high-end restaurants.

Summary

Coho, Sockeye, and King are equally nutritious and offer significant health benefits, including high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and important vitamins and minerals!

For those looking to make a smart seafood choice, wild-caught Sockeye salmon and King salmon are excellent options. Sockeye salmon has a rich flavor and firm texture, while King salmon stands out for its high-fat content, which is responsible for its buttery taste.

I hope this article has given you valuable insights to help guide your decision!