Reading the article on the spawned 32 lb+ "Wild Coho" carcass found recently ignited a few questions for me.

In the article it was mentioned that the "coho" might be a hybrid between a Chinook and Coho. How many species can interbreed? And, while I'm sure it is a relatively rare occurance, are the offspring of such half-breeds sterile? And then what about THEIR offspring? Have there been any studies? I'm curious because I'm wondering if we are witnessing the evolution of a newer, stronger set of cross-breeds which may be natural.

(I suspect if such is so, there will be an immediate and forceful rejection of the concept, even if it is true.....we are, after all, SO well informed. )

The spiecies are as fallows:
Chinook - King
Coho - Silvers
Chum - Dog
Sockeye - Red
Pink - Humpies
Steelhead

There is also one the spawns in Asia but I don't know the name. I don't know if salmon can naturally crossbreed.

the Salmon from Asia is the Cherry Salmon, and is usually very small.

I believe there are documented cases of chumpies - a cross between chum and pink. I don't know about their biology or reproductive status.

The masu, or cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) is found in northwestern Pacific waters and apparently as landlocked populations in a few Korean mountain streams . I recently heard that they are occasionally caught in Alaskan waters. Unlike most of the other members of the genus Oncorhynchus, a few cherry salmon are able to survive to spawn a second time. The only other members of the genus able to do this are, of course, the rainbow/steelhead (O. mykiss) and the cutthroat (O. clarki).

Most of the species within the genus Oncorhynchus are sufficiently close genetically to breed together (cutthroat and rainbow for example) but in most cases run timing and differing preferences in spawning habitat (gravel size, current velocity, etc.) work to maintain isolation between the species; at least under natural conditions.

Preston, don't forget about Atlantic's, they also can make several spawning runs.

Eddie,

I believe the chumpie was artificialy bred by WDFW as an experiment in the 1970s. Apparently they did not reproduce naturally.
I saw several of them but can't recall eating any.

Preston is talking about the Oncorhynchus family. Atlantic salmon are not part of this family but are part of the Salmo (is that the right name?) family along with Brown Trout. The Salmo family originated in Europe, Atlantic salmon are also native to New England, while the Oncorhynchus family originates along the North Pacific and inland.