Coho salmon have a slightly forked tail fin with spots only on the upper lobe of the tail fin. They have a black mouth with white gums at base of teeth on the lower jaw. Spots on its sides that are sometimes hard to see on its shiny, silver body. Rays in anal fin range from 11 to 15. When spawning they develop a hooked upper jaw along with greenish-black heads with reddish sides. Sharp teeth appear on tongue and roof of mouth.