Arripis trutta

Physical Characteristics

The species features an elongated, streamlined fusiform body. It has a distinctive greenish-blue to silvery-gray coloration on the upper body with numerous dark spots or irregular bars, fading to a silvery-white underside. It possesses a deeply forked caudal fin, a relatively small head with large eyes, and fine scales.

Habitat & Distribution

Found in temperate coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. Geographically common around southern Australia and New Zealand. They typically inhabit surface waters down to depths of about 30 meters, often seen in large schools near sandy beaches or rocky reefs.

Size & Weight

Typically ranges from 30 to 50 cm in length and 0.5 to 2 kg in weight. They can reach a maximum length of approximately 89 cm and a weight of up to 9.4 kg.

Similar Looking Species

Arripis esper (Western Australian Salmon) which has more gill rakers, and Arripis georgianus (Australian Herring) which is significantly smaller with larger scales and black tips on the tail fin.

Ecological Role

Acts as an active carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on small baitfish such as pilchards and anchovies, as well as crustaceans. They serve as a vital prey source for larger marine predators like sharks, seals, and dolphins. The conservation status is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identified on: 1/29/2026

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