Oncorhynchus masou (Brevoort, 1856)
Masu salmon
Oncorhynchus masou
photo by Kim, I.-S.

Family:  Salmonidae (Salmonids), subfamily: Salmoninae
Max. size:  79 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 10,000.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 200 m, anadromous
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan and adjacent waters.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  The fluviatile form generally inhabits headwaters and often maintains a territory; it feeds mainly on insects but also on small crustaceans and fishes. The sea-run form goes downstream forming schools, and after a short stay in the brackish zone enters the sea where it feeds on small fishes and pelagic crustaceans. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are buried in unguarded nests (Ref. 205). Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 August 1996 (A1ac; B2abcde+3abd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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