Atlantic Salmon

Scientific name

Salmo salar

Characteristics

Similar to brown trout, but silvery overall, bluish to olive-brown dorsally with a white belly and fewer dark spots usually confined to the upper sides. These spots usually lack the halo characteristic of the brown trout. The fins are a dusky grey and the fish has a thick wrist of the tail. When compared to the brown trout, the mouth of the salmon is smaller and doesn't extend past the eyes and the tail is more deeply forked.

Size

Atlantic Salmon are known to reach in excess of 30 kg, however, a fish greater than 6 kg in Australia are rare.

Distribution

A native of European and North American rivers draining into the northern Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic Salmon has been introduced into Lake Jindabyne and Khancoban Pondage. No wild populations occur since most of the natural life cycle is spent at sea. The Atlantic salmon is considered a great sport fish and is keenly sought by anglers. 

Confusing species

Similar to other trout and salmon species.