An anadromous (ocean going) relative of kokanee salmon. Non-spawning color is silver to steel blue with a green or blue back and white tips on the ventral and anal fins. They have no large spots on back or tail, but may have speckling on the back. Mouth is white with a white gum line and dark tongue. Large, bright gold, glassy eye. Males turn a bright red on the back and a darker red on the sides at spawning time with greenish head and tail. Females also turn red above the lateral line but colors are not as bright. Sockeye typically spend two years in freshwater and one year in the ocean before returning to spawn.