The spelling of "Australian salmon" may seem a bit confusing at first glance. The word "Australian" is spelled in the usual way, but the word "salmon" is pronounced differently than it is spelled. The IPA phonetic transcription for "salmon" is /ˈsæmən/. This means that the "L" in "salmon" is silent, and the second syllable is pronounced like "mun". So, the correct way to pronounce "Australian salmon" is /ɒsˈtreɪliən ˈsæmən/. Despite its name, Australian salmon is actually a type of fish that is found primarily in the southern hemisphere.
Australian salmon refers to a species of fish belonging to the Arripis genus, commonly known as Arripis trutta. It is a saltwater fish native to the coastal waters of southern Australia, predominantly found in the temperate regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. Despite its name, Australian salmon bears no relation to true salmon; it is a member of the Perciformes order.
Australian salmon showcase an elongated and streamlined body shape, typically measuring between 30 and 60 centimeters in length, with some individuals reaching up to 90 centimeters. They possess a distinctive silvery coloration on their sides, blending into a blue or greenish-blue hue towards their dorsal surface. The scales of Australian salmon are moderately sized and have a smooth texture.
These fish are highly prized by recreational anglers for their powerful and relentless fighting abilities when hooked. They exhibit migratory behavior, moving in large schools along the coastline in search of food, which primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans. As a result, Australian salmon are attracted to areas with strong currents and abundant prey.
Due to their excellent sporting qualities, Australian salmon have also gained popularity among surf and land-based fishers. They are known to be voracious feeders, eagerly striking a variety of artificial lures and bait. The flesh of Australian salmon is moderately oily, with a mild flavor and a firm, meaty texture, making it suitable for consumption. It is often cooked using methods like grilling, baking, or smoking, and can be found in various culinary preparations across local Australian cuisine.
The word "Australian salmon" is derived from the combination of two components: "Australian" and "salmon".
1. Australian: The term "Australian" refers to something or someone originating from or related to Australia. It comes from the Latin word "Australis", which means "southern". It is believed to have originated in the late 17th century when Europeans first explored and settled in Australia.
2. Salmon: The word "salmon" is derived from the Old French word "saumon", which came from the Latin word "salmo". "Salmo" itself might have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "salm", meaning "to leap or leap up". This likely refers to the salmon's impressive ability to leap and swim upstream.
So, when combined, "Australian salmon" simply refers to the type of salmon found in Australian waters or native to Australia.