The Indian name of salmon is not universally agreed upon, primarily because salmon is not a native fish to Indian rivers or seas. However, in India—especially in markets and among fish sellers—imported Atlantic salmon is commonly referred to in various ways depending on the region.
Here’s a breakdown:
Indian Names for Salmon (Table)
| Region/Language | Common Name for Salmon | Notes |
| English (India) | Salmon | Usually refers to imported Atlantic salmon |
| Hindi | सालमन मछली (Salmon Machhli) | Direct transliteration; no native species |
| Bengali | স্যালমন মাছ (Salmon Machh) | Imported, not local; often confused with Indian river fish |
| Tamil | சால்மன் மீன் (Saalman Meen) | Available in supermarkets as frozen or fresh imports |
| Malayalam | സാൽമൺ മീൻ (Saaman Meen) | Referred to by its English name, locally unfamiliar |
| Marathi | साल्मन मासे (Salmon Maase) | No native equivalent; used in gourmet or international cuisine |
| Gujarati | સેલ્મન માછલી (Salmon Machhli) | Rarely found in local markets unless imported |
| Telugu | సాల్మన్ చేప (Saaman Chepa) | Known mostly through restaurants or imported seafood |
Indian Fish Commonly Mistaken for Salmon
| Indian Fish | Why It’s Compared to Salmon |
| Rawas (Indian Salmon) | Found along the western coast (esp. Maharashtra and Gujarat); oily and soft-fleshed |
| Surmai (Kingfish) | Rich in omega-3, firm texture; often grilled or fried |
| Hilsa (Ilish) | Popular in Bengal; oily texture and strong taste, though different from salmon |
“Rawas” is often advertised in India as “Indian Salmon”, but it is not taxonomically related to true salmon (Salmo salar). It is a completely different species (often Polynemidae family).
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