The Salmonids

Lore & Background

Their behavior is defined by overwhelming numbers and relentless aggression. Whether swarming through a standard Turf War stage or invading the mysterious depths of the Octo Expansion, they move with a fluid, aquatic grace that belies their destructive intent. They are known to evolve mid-battle, spawning larger, more dangerous variants like the King Salmonid when pushed too far, turning a simple collection mission into a desperate fight for survival against a boss that can wipe out an entire team in seconds.

In Their Own Story

The water receded, leaving only the slick sheen of fresh ink on the pavement. Then came the splash—a rhythmic, churning sound growing louder with every second. From the shadows of the alleyway and the depths of the sewers, they poured forth: a writhing mass of orange scales and sharp fins. The first wave was just scouts, darting for the glowing orbs scattered across the floor. But as the Golden Eggs changed hands, the water began to boil. A roar echoed from the tide line, deep and guttural, signaling the arrival of something far larger than a mere fish. The King had awakened.

Reader's Guide

The Salmonids lack a traditional hierarchy or named leaders, operating instead as a faceless horde driven by an instinctual command to gather Golden Eggs. Their base of operations is effectively anywhere water can reach, though they are most frequently encountered in the specialized 'Salmon Run' stages and the subterranean tunnels of the Octo Expansion.

Their goals are simple yet dangerous: collect as many eggs as possible before time runs out or the team is wiped out. They show no allegiance to Inkling or Octarian factions, attacking anyone who stands between them and their prize. This neutrality makes them a unique threat, forcing rival teams to sometimes cooperate just to survive the waves.

Throughout the series, their presence has shifted from a simple side activity to a narrative element in the Octo Expansion, where they serve as a chaotic obstacle for the protagonists navigating the Dark Realm. Their alliances are non-existent; they are a force of nature that must be endured and defeated through sheer firepower and teamwork.

Did You Know?

• Salmonids are one of the few enemies in Splatoon that do not use ink weapons, relying instead on physical attacks and their own unique abilities.
• The King Salmonid is a massive variant that appears when too many Golden Eggs are collected by the players or after a certain time limit.
• In the Octo Expansion, Salmonids appear in specific stages as part of the 'Salmon Run' side missions within the Dark Realm.
• Despite their fish appearance, they can walk on land and navigate complex environments with surprising agility.