Common names
Eastern Australian salmon, Bay trout, Black back, Blackback salmon, Buck, Buck salmon, Cocky salmon, Colonial salmon, Newfish, Salmon trout
Australian salmon
Arripis trutta
- Saltwater
Max length35 in
Common length18.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight19 lb 13 oz
Depth range99 - 128 ft
Max age26 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
Short description
The Australian Salmon is not related to the true salmonoid fish but rather to the perch family. Streamlined fish with long and slender bodies. There is a bony ridge edge of bone beneath and in front of each eye which has obvious serrations in smaller individuals. On larger fish, the scales feel smooth. The lobes of the caudal fin are equivalent in length to the head. These fish are dark bluish-green dorsally and silvery white ventrally. The juveniles have golden bars on their upper flanks and these break up into large spots as the fish matures. The pectoral fin is vivid yellow and the caudal and spiny part of the dorsal fin both have a blackish margin.
Habitat
The adults congregate off oceanic beaches and exposed coasts, but they will also enter rivers, rocky headlands, inshore reefs, bays and inlets.
Distribution
Found in cooler waters around the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Australia and the New Zealand coastline.
Behaviour
They are highly visual predators, preying on a diverse variety which eat a variety of crustaceans and polychaetes during their juvenile phase, however, adults shift their preferred prey to small schooling fish, baitfish such as pilchards, sprats and anchovies. They are migratory fish that migrate in very large schools through long distances, sometimes thousands of kilometers.
Edibility
Australian Salmon are under-utilised and not especially well regarded by chefs or consumers. Because of this they are a low priced seafood option. If they are fresh and handled correctly Australian Salmon are moist and very enjoyable.
Lure suggestion
The best lures for Australian salmon are spinners, soft plastics and silver metal lures. Spinners, in particular, get a great reaction from Australian salmon. You can also use poppers or flies to assist you in your catch since Australian salmon are not particular about what they eat. Good baits: baitfish, beach worms, pipis, pilchards.
Similar species
Other similar species
Western Australian Salmon, Australian Herring