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Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax) — Salmonidae

Black Sea trout

Salmo labrax
Family: Salmonidae

The Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Europe: Bulgaria, Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, North Macedonia

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Description

The Black Sea trout is a trout of the salmon family (Salmonidae) from cool, clear fresh water of rivers and coastal waters of the Black Sea basin. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a streamlined body with an adipose fin and a pattern of dark and sometimes red spots on a silvery to brownish body. As a predator it holds station in fast-flowing rivers and cool lakes and hunts insects, crustaceans and smaller fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black Sea trout?

The Black Sea trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Black Sea trout live?

The Black Sea trout lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Europe: Bulgaria, Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, North Macedonia

How big does the Black Sea trout get?

The Black Sea trout grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.

Is the Black Sea trout dangerous to humans?

No, the Black Sea trout is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax) — Salmonidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) SteveM4560, some rights reserved (CC BY))
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All data

Identification

English name
Black Sea trout sourced
Scientific name
Salmo labrax
Family
Salmonidae
Other names
Black Sea salmon; Salmon verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Europe: Bulgaria, Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, North Macedonia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Salmo

More from the family Salmonidae

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