Western Australian Salmon

Arripis truttacea

Western Australian Salmon, Arripis truttacea, is a marine ray-finned fish endemic to southern Australia. It features a streamlined body with a greyish-green to steely blue back and silvery white underparts. Notably, it has a deeply forked tail and a long dorsal fin with a distinct notch. Adults can grow up to 96 cm in length, although 65 cm is more common. This species is distinguished from its close relative, Arripis trutta, by having fewer gill rakers. These fish inhabit coastal waters from Lakes Entrance in Victoria to Kalbarri in Western Australia, favoring depths up to 80 meters. They are often found in large schools along exposed beaches and rocky reefs, while juveniles prefer shallow bays and estuaries. The Western Australian Salmon is carnivorous, preying on small schooling fish. During the spawning season, they gather off southwestern Australia, with larvae carried southeastwards by ocean currents. Divers may encounter these fish in schools, moving actively in coastal waters. Though they are a popular target for recreational fishing, their flesh is not highly prized for eating. The species is not currently evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.