Animal Species:Eastern Australian Salmon, Arripis trutta (Forster, 1801)
New South Wales divers often see large schools of Eastern Australian Salmon while swimming in shallow coastal waters.
A school of Eastern Australian Salmon
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
Alternative Name/s
The Eastern Australian Salmon has also been called the Australian Salmon, Bay Trout, Black Back, Buck Salmon, Cocky Salmon, Colonial Salmon and Kahawai.
Identification
The Eastern Australian Salmon has a moderately elongate body with a long based dorsal fin and a large forked caudal fin. It has small eyes and a relatively large mouth.
The species is silvery below and darker above. The small pectoral fins are yellowish.
Size range
It grows to 89 cm in length.
Similar Species
Distribution
The Eastern Australian Salmon occurs in temperate Australian and New Zealand waters.
In Australia it is known from southern Queensland to Tasmania.
Habitat
The species occurs over sandy seabeds. Juveniles are usually seen in bays and estuaries. Adults are found in coastal waters
Feeding and Diet
Dietary items include zooplankton and fishes.
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is a schooling species.
Classification
- Species:
- trutta
- Genus:
- Arripis
- Family:
- Arripidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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