Eastern Australian Salmon, Arripis trutta (Forster, 1801)

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.

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.

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

Behaviour and adaptations

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

What does this mean?

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.

Last Updated: 17 June 2009

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