Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian salmon (Arripis trutta) is a brackish-water fish of the family Arripidae that grows up to 89 cm.
Temperate waters around south-eastern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf, estuaries and bays.
Description
The Australian salmon is a coastal fish of the family Arripidae from the temperate waters around south-eastern Australia and New Zealand; despite the name it is not a true salmon. The species grows to about 89 cm and has a streamlined, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a blue-green back and rows of dark spots. It inhabits continental-shelf waters, estuaries, bays and inlets and forms large, fast schools. As a powerful predator it hunts small schooling fishes, shrimps and crustaceans. The Australian salmon is a highly popular sport and food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian salmon?
The Australian salmon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Not a true salmon; fast, powerful schooling coastal predator and valued sport fish.
Where does the Australian salmon live?
The Australian salmon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Temperate waters around south-eastern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf, estuaries and bays.
How big does the Australian salmon get?
The Australian salmon grows to a maximum of about 89 cm. On average the species is around 47 cm.
Is the Australian salmon dangerous to humans?
No, the Australian salmon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Australian salmon edible?
Yes, the Australian salmon is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arripis
More from the family Arripidae
Want the complete picture on the Australian salmon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian salmon is one of 12,519 species in the app.