Salmo

Includes some of the most well-known and widely loved freshwater species, especially the famous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and various types of trout, like the brown trout (Salmo trutta). What makes Salmo fish unique is their incredible adaptability, beauty, and complex life cycles. Unlike some of their Pacific salmon cousins, many Salmo species can spawn multiple times in their lives rather than dying after just one spawning event. This ability to return to the sea or remain in freshwater and breed again gives them an edge in survival and reproduction.

One of the most fascinating features of the Salmo genus is how diverse its members can be, even within a single species. For example, Salmo trutta can appear in multiple forms—some live in rivers their entire lives (called resident or stream brown trout), others migrate to lakes (lake trout), and still others head to the sea and return later to spawn (sea trout). All of these are technically the same species, just with different lifestyles based on their environment. This ability to adapt and take on different behaviors based on where they live is a key trait that sets Salmo apart from other genera in the Salmonidae family.

Physically, Salmo species are known for their streamlined bodies, powerful tails, and beautiful coloration. Brown trout often display a golden hue with black and red spots, making them one of the most visually striking freshwater fish. Atlantic salmon are sleek and silver when in the ocean, but transform into darker, richer tones during spawning season. These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re all part of the preparation for long journeys upstream, where these fish face strong currents, shallow waters, and natural obstacles like waterfalls or rapids.