Easternmost record for ocean distribution of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou)

Masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) was caught in the central North Pacific Ocean (46 degree 00'N, 180 degree 00') on June 27, 1998 during a high-seas salmonid research cruise by the R/V Wakatake maru. The species was identified by morphological and genetic analyses. The capture location was far to the east from the previously recorded catches of masu salmon in the North Pacific Ocean (45-50 degree N, 157-162 degree E). The masu salmon was a maturing male (age 1.1), whose fork length was 540 mm and body weight was 2,460 g. Considering the location and date of capture, it is likely that the fish had strayed from its usual distribution and wandered far eastwards to the mid Pacific Ocean.