Chum salmon, also known as dog salmon, are a species of Pacific salmon found in the North Pacific Ocean and rivers that flow into it. They are recognized for their distinctive greenish-blue back and silver sides, which turn a vibrant maroon during spawning. Chum salmon are the second largest of the Pacific salmon species, typically weighing between 8 to 15 pounds. These fish are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn. Chum salmon primarily feed on small fish and zooplankton in the ocean. They are an important food source for various wildlife, including bears and eagles, and are also harvested commercially for their meat and roe.