10 Species Of Fish That Are Suitable For Consumption

Fish farms allow users to consume fish at more affordable prices, although it is true that the texture and taste are not as pleasant. Meet 10 species of fish that are suitable for consumption.

10 species of fish that are suitable for consumption

Aquaculture is the creation of fish for human consumption. Currently, half of the fish sold come from these breeding sites. The fish species most commonly used for this industry are hake and tuna. However, the variety has expanded, with a good number of species currently being marketed.

Consumers can find different advantages and disadvantages in purchasing fish from aquaculture, when evaluating their possible purchase.

Farmed fish are cheaper than those that grow naturally in the world’s waters. However, their texture and flavor lose quality, although they retain the Omega-3 recommended for heart health.

Raising fish for consumption

It takes at least 10 years of research and testing before launching a new species of fish onto the market. Thus, over the years, new species have evolved and incorporated into farmed fish.

In the case of sole, its easy reproduction and ability to adapt to captivity made it the first candidate to be farmed fish. The investigations were complex, as the second generations did not prosper as much on marine farms.

Some fish that have been expensive for some time, such as bluefin or dorado tuna, are on their way to being massively commercialized. Consumers will be able to taste fresh fish at their parties and banquets for a lower price and in greater quantities.

The species that we will see below are produced from three to four million tons per year. They are the most commercialized and have a simpler distribution in all types of markets.

Variety and characteristics of hatchery fish

• The herviper carp or Ctenopharyngodon idellus is native to the Amur river and is distributed in shallow fresh water and abundant vegetation. In addition, these fish are dark green and can reach 150 centimeters in length, weighing up to 50 kilos.

For cultivation, artificial ponds were created, or cages if the creation is in open water.  It is one of the fish with the highest demand and highest production on the market.

• The so-called silver carp or Hypophthalmichthys molitrix is native to China. In its natural space, it reaches one meter in length and weighs 50 kilos. They feed on zooplankton in their childhood and phytoplankton in their youth and adulthood. In addition, its typical habitat is in temperate and fresh Asian waters.

Currently, silver carp is one of the fish that are suitable for consumption that has a global distribution. Furthermore, its presence reduces the level of algae in rivers and lakes. It is another of the most widespread species used in breeding for human consumption in Europe.

• Catla is also classified within the carp variety. It is endemic to northern India and the Middle East and finds its habitat between 20 and 30°C. In natural conditions, these fish can reach almost two meters in length and, in addition, weigh about 40 kilos.

• Within the hatchery fish category there is also the Ruditapes philippinarum or the Japonic mollusc. Its hue varies between gray and light green, depending on the substrate on which your food is based.
• The Cyprinus carpio is the typical European carp. This variant is typical of temperatures between 17 and 24°C in fresh water. However, its origin is Asian, although today it has been distributed throughout the world.

Other fish species suitable for consumption

• In sixth place in production and sales is the shrimp Penaeus Vannamei. It is a crustacean distributed from Peru to Mexico that is native to the Pacific. Thus, they are found at depths of up to 100 meters. Also, in natural situations, they can reach 25 centimeters in length.
• Another type of carp native to China is the Hypophthalmichthys nobilis or birch carp .  Its name is an indicator of its size, thus the species produces fish weighing up to 40 kilos.

• The Oreochromis niloticus is emerging as a fish species in the River Nile, it is also known as Nile tilapia. Therefore, it is a massively bred tropical fish.
• Known as carpin, the Carassius carassius , this is another fish from China. It is usually raised in cages directly in natural waters, where it is guaranteed to feed on algae.
• Finally, we have the Psalm salar . He is the typical Atlantic salmon. Thus, these fish are distributed throughout the north of the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.