Aquariums

DIPAC, Inc. Presents Their...
Saltwater Aquariums

The Gastineau Salmon Hatchery's salt water aquariums are home for over 100 different species of Alaskan marine life. Some of the interesting specimens that can be seen are:

Anemone, Pink (Cribrinopsis fernaldi) - Occurs from Puget Sound to the Aleutians from the shallow subtidal to depths of 1000'. Often found on rock walls or attached to pieces of shale or rock in mud or sand substrates. This animal is host to a variety of small shrimps.

Crab, Tanner (Chionoecetes bairdi) - An important commercial species. Oval carapace up to 6" wide. Legs are long, slender and flattened. Ranges from Bering Sea to Washington, shallow subtidal to over 1000' depths. Usually found on soft muddy substrates. Lives up to 14 years.

Dolly Varden, char (Salvelinus malma) - member of the trout-like chars, including brook trout, lake trout, and arctic char. The name relates to its colorful pink and yellow spots, but is also descriptive of a lively character in Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge, who was known for her brightly colored clothes. Like salmon, Dollys are amadromous, beginning and ending their life in freshwater, while migrating to salt water for growth and maturation. Unlike salmon, however, they may repeatedly migrate between fresh and saltwater, spawning more then one season. They are a valued sport fish and are often caught by anglers as the dollys migrate into streams with the salmon seeking to prey on eggs dislodged during the salmon's spawning process.

Hermit Crab, Widehand (Elassochirus gilli) - Aleutian Is. to Puget Sound. Distinguished by greatly expanded and flattened right hand claw and bright blue upper leg. Claw is used to block shell when crab retreats. Found in a variety of habitats from low intertidal to 13,000 ft. Common locally, often captured in shrimp pots.

Octopus, Common Pacific (Octopus dofleini) - Can reach up to 10' across and 100 lbs. Body with 8 tentacles. Found from low intertidal to depths of 600'. Generally associated with rocky areas, it's den can be spotted by an accumulation of crab or mollusk shells at the entrance. Nocturnal animal, feeds on crabs, mollusks, echinoderms and fish. Is preyed upon by sea lions and halibut. Female lays eggs on roof of den in winter/spring, stops feeding and broods eggs. Female dies just before eggs hatch. Larvae are planktonic.

Salmon, Silver, AKA Coho (Onorhynchus Kisutch) - From Bering Sea to central California. Average size 6-15 lbs., up to 30 lbs. Separated from similar appearing king salmon by white gum line and black spots on back and upper lobe of tail. Mature adults turn reddish black in color and males have a prominent hooked jaw. Highly valued as a sport fish and fresh-caught troll fish. It has a firm -medium red-colored flesh with moderate oil content. Young coho require about 18 months rearing in fresh water and return to fresh water as 3 year old adults. DIPAC releases about 800,000 coho annually.

Salmon, King, AKA Chinook, spring, blackmouth salmon (Onchohynchus tshawytscha) - Bering Sea to Southern California. Average 15-20 lbs., up to 126 lbs. Black spotting on back and entire tail, black gum line. Mature at 3-6 years. Mature adults reddish-black or olive color. Prized as the top sport caught salmon. It is also the most valuable troll and gillnet caught salmon with firm, red flesh. Some Alaskan stocks also have a white flesh variation, reputed for its flavor. Least abundant of Pacific salmon. It is extensively raised in hatcheries along the coast. DIPAC releases up to 600,000 kings annually.