#gorbuscha

[namu-the-orca]

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) Also known as: Humpie, Humpback (salmon)

For the final illustration we have the smallest and the most numerous of the Pacific salmon. Pinks are also the shortest lived, completing their entire life cycle in just 2 years. Unlike the other species they have no variation in lifespan - the cycle is followed very strictly. Interestingly, this has created genetically separate odd- and even-year spawning populations which never interbreed. Rivers will usually have a majority of one or the other, occasionally completely switching over. “Humpies” are unmistakable and it’s not hard to see where they get their nickname. When entering the river to spawn, males grow an incredibly humpback. The soft pinkish green depicted here are early spawning colours; eventually they turn a dark purplish black. The white belly splotches are unique and can identify them even when spawning colours are still developing. Like Chum, Pinks go straight to sea after hatching. The large spotting on the tail is ever-present and will identify them at all times, also in salt water. It is at sea that the Pink salmon is most commercially valuable. They have been hunted and canned in Alaska since the late 1800′s and still about 400 million are killed yearly, making up most of the annual Pacific salmon catch. Maximum size is 30 inch (76 cm) and 15 lbs (7 kg), but 18-25 inch (45-60 cm) and 3-5 lbs (1.5-2 kg) is average.

This may have been the final true Pacific salmon, but there’s some bonus fish coming...

[namu-the-orca]

Here's a small peek at a project that's been keeping me busy for a few months (and probably will for several more to come). SALMON. A big poster covering the ins and outs of all species found in Alaska. After sorting out general layout I've started with the centrepiece(s): illustrations of all species both in their silvery ocean phase as well as their colourful spawning phase. The poster will eventually be displayed on the Motor Vessel David B of Northwest Navigation, who organise nature and adventure cruises in Alaska.

A fascinating project to work on, especially since I've never painted fish much before. With every salmon I feel like I get to know them a bit better. Shown here is some stages in the painting of a breeding male Pink salmon, also known as 'humpies' for obvious reasons. Currently working on the Chum or Keta salmon.