Is There Salmon in the Philippines? A Comprehensive Guide

Salmon is a popular and nutritious fish that is enjoyed around the world. However it is not native to tropical countries like the Philippines. So where does salmon in the Philippine market come from and is it really salmon? Let’s take a deeper look.

What is Salmon?

Salmon is a species of fish that belongs to the family Salmonidae. There are several species including Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Pink salmon, Chum salmon, Sockeye salmon, and others.

Salmon are native to tributaries of the North Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. They hatch in freshwater streams and rivers, migrate to the ocean to feed and grow and return to freshwater to spawn. Popular salmon fishing rivers include ones in Alaska British Columbia, Scotland, and Scandinavia.

True salmon has a few identifying features:

• Silvery colored scales that can range from blue-green to silver-gray
• Pink, red, or orange flesh
• Small scales
• An adipose fin on their back
• They spawn in freshwater

Is There Real Salmon in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a tropical climate and lacks the cold rivers and tributaries that salmon need to spawn. This means that true salmon does not exist naturally in the Philippines.

However, there are many fish in the Philippine market that are referred to as “salmon.” These are not real salmon, but other fish species that resemble salmon.

The most common salmon sold in the Philippines is the threadfin salmon. Its scientific name is Eleutheronema tetradactylum and it’s known as “mamale” or “salmon” in Tagalog. Here are some key facts about threadfin salmon:

• Native fish that lives in tropical waters around the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia
• Distinguished by its long, thread-like pectoral fins
• Grayish-blue colored body with silver belly
• Small scales and forked tail fin
• Often caught in Manila Bay by local fishermen

While threadfin salmon is tasty, it is not a true salmon. So when you buy “salmon” in the Philippines, it is actually this local fish.

Other “Salmon” Species in the Philippines

In addition to threadfin salmon, there are a few other fish in the Philippines that are referred to as salmon:

• Bigeye trevally: Known locally as “malasugi,” this fish has a more silver body with black dots and a forked tail. It does not closely resemble salmon.

• Giant trevally: Called “talakitok” in Tagalog, this large fish has a silver body with dark vertical bars. It is not very similar to salmon.

• Rainbow runner: Known as “dalagang bukid,” this fish has a bright red body and fins. It is named “salmon” because of its red color, but is not actually related.

Imported Salmon in the Philippines

While local salmon is not real salmon, you can find imported fresh salmon in higher-end groceries and fish markets in the Philippines. This imported salmon comes from major fishing countries like Norway, Chile, Canada and Japan.

Some types of imported salmon found in the Philippines include:

• Atlantic salmon – best known salmon species, farmed in Norway and exported globally
• Chinook or King salmon – prized for its high fat content and buttery flavor
• Sockeye salmon – Leaner salmon with deep red flesh
• Coho salmon – Smaller salmon with silver skin and pink meat

Imported salmon is air-flown fresh to the Philippines and is available in limited quantities. Expect to pay ₱800 to ₱1,200 per kilo for fresh imported salmon.

There are also some smoked and frozen salmon products available from importers. While not as ideal as fresh, this can provide an affordable salmon option.

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Salmon

What makes real salmon so prized? Here are some of its top health benefits:

• High in omega-3 fatty acids – Key for heart and brain health
• Great source of protein – Provides 20-25g protein per 3 ounce serving
• Rich in B vitamins – Important for energy and cell function
• Loaded with minerals – Provides potassium, selenium, phosphorus and others
• Contains astaxanthin – A unique antioxidant that gives salmon meat its pink color

So while local threadfin salmon lacks some of these nutrients, real salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat.

Recap: Is There Real Salmon in the Philippines?

To summarize the key facts:

• True salmon species do not exist naturally in the warm tropical waters of the Philippines
• “Salmon” sold in local wet markets is usually threadfin salmon, a unrelated native fish
• A few other local fish like trevally are referred to as salmon but are not the same
• You can find imported fresh and frozen salmon from major fishing countries in some Philippine grocery stores
• Salmon is a super healthy fish full of omega-3s, protein, B vitamins, and minerals

So while real salmon does not swim in Philippine seas, it can still be found thanks to imports. Local threadfin salmon offers a budget-friendly alternative with a similar flavor profile in Filipino dishes.