SEATTLE -- The expensive Copper River salmon arrived from Alaska at Pike Place Market Tuesday morning and the first of the salmon is now being served in restaurants.

The salmon, which need to have a higher fat content than other salmon in order to return the 300 miles up the river, have a firm texture and bright red flesh, making it Alaska’s most celebrated fish.

The fish has a big price tag.

The King salmon fillet shopper Barb Chapman bought went for almost $40 a pound.

A whole 39-pound Copper River King salmon rang up at $1,132.35.

The shipment of fish arrived at Sea-Tac airport from Cordova, AK.

“This has been caught, in some cases, just hours ago. This is very, very fresh fish and we’ll have it across the United States in a matter of hours,” said an Alaska Airlines employee.

Alaska Airlines officials said they plan to move 100,000 pounds of the salmon Tuesday.

Not every local fish seller is jumping on the bandwagon.

Fishmonger Rich Cavanaugh said he will stock it in a few days after the price goes down.

“Is it overrated? You know, at close to $40 a pound, that’s a tough one,” said Cavanaugh.