{"id":468,"date":"2022-05-31T19:56:49","date_gmt":"2022-05-31T19:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salmonfacts.org\/?p=468"},"modified":"2022-06-02T23:20:19","modified_gmt":"2022-06-02T23:20:19","slug":"salmon-vs-trout-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salmonfacts.org\/salmon-vs-trout-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Salmon vs Trout: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you want to start trying your hand at angling or just want to know the difference between salmon and trout for a choice at the market, this guide can help. While both of these fish are tasty and full of healthy nutrients, there are some significant differences between these two popular fish species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do you compare salmon vs trout? You can use several methods to pinpoint the type of fish, whether you are out in the water or at the grocery store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salmon vs Trout: A Comparison <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some similarities between these two fish can make it challenging to determine which one it is. However, once you know what to look for, it does get easier, and you can be a pro at it in no time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, salmon will be larger than trout and are anadromous, which means they can live in both fresh and saltwater environments<\/a>. Trout are mainly freshwater fish only. However, the Steelhead and Rainbow species are also anadromous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lifecycle of Salmon vs Trout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salmon can live between 4 and 26 years, and their lifecycle consists of six different stages. First, this fish begins their life as an egg in freshwater and lives out its adulthood in saltwater. Then, they return to the freshwater rivers and streams each year to spawn and eventually die there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trout will live between 7 to 20 years and have five stages in their complete lifecycle. Except for the Rainbow and Steelhead trout, all other varieties remain in saltwater their entire life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Characteristics Between Salmon and Trout <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although salmon begins its life in freshwater, you will find the adult fish in saltwater, either in the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. Salmon has a streamlined, slender body shape with a more pointed head shape. Their tail is forked, and their wrist of the tail is thin, making it easy to pick up by its tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salmon contains between 10 and 13 scales, with few spots. Its maxilla, the bony plate along the jaw, does not extend past the eye. They typically exhibit silvery, pinkish-red to orange colors and will grow between 28 to 30 inches long and 8 to 12 pounds. However, there are some cases of wild salmon reaching upward of more than 4 feet long and weighing 100 pounds.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find most trout species in lakes, rivers, and streams, although the Steelhead and Rainbow varieties also survive in saltwater locations. Its body is thick and round, with a more rounded head. Trout tails will have a more square or convex shape, with a thicker wrist to the tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trout sport between 13 and 16 scales, with many spots. The maxilla extends well beyond the eye. They will be brown or gray with orange markings, grow to 45 inches long, and weigh approximately 8 pounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Salmon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The type of salmon you may find will depend on the location. There are eight different salmon types<\/a> across the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In North America, you will find five different Pacific salmon types. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n