Australia is a country that is famous for its ecosystems and crystal-clear waters, and you will find that in its crystal-clear water, there is a wide variety of fish species that attract both seafood lovers and fishermen. You will find that Australians love eating seafood, especially fish, since they are found in both freshwater and saltwater, providing the unique taste and charm of the area. Since Australia has a vast coastline with a number of water bodies, it is home to a wide variety of distinctive and tasty fish species.
Whether you are a fisherman who wants to gain some fishing experience or a seafood lover looking for some delicious fish to try, Australia is the place where both of your motives can be fulfilled. Native Australian fish are high in nutrients and are good for an individual’s overall health. Using them, one can easily prepare and enjoy some delicious and mouth-watering dishes. Different fish are found in different regions, and each of them has its own characteristics and health benefits.
Listed below are some of the most popular Australian fish species that you should try. Keep on reading to learn about the regions where different fish are found, their nutrient value, and some of the famous dishes that are cooked from these fish as well.
1. Barramundi
Barramundi, scientifically known as Lates calcarifer, is an Australian fish species that belongs to the Latidae family. Also known as Asian sea bass, this fish is mostly found in the Kimberley region. Along with this, you will find Barramundi in tropical and subtropical regions that range from the Mary River in Queensland to Shark Bay in Western Australia. Although this fish is found throughout the year, the best time to find it is in March and April. These months are warmer, and Barramundi usually lives in a warmer climate. You will find that the ideal temperature at which this fish grows is usually between 25°C and 30°C. In addition to this, Barramundi is greenish-blue in colour, and it is white towards the ventral surface, having dark brown or black fins.
Being mostly found in freshwater, this fish is comparatively large in size and is eaten by most Australians. The average size that is recorded for Barramundi fish is approximately 100 cm to 150 cm long, and it weighs something around 45 kg to 60 kg. The longest Barramundi fish that is found in Australia is recorded to be approximately 107 cm long and 44.62 kg in weight. Apart from being one of the most delicious fish that Australians eat a lot, this fish is also very healthy because it is a fantastic source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. There are a lot of ways in which people enjoy Barramundi fish; some of them are grilled barramundi with lemon butter sauce, crumbed and fried barramundi, or baked barramundi wrapped in banana leaves.
2. Tuna
Tuna is a famous Australian fish that has a wide variety of species, such as Bluefin Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Longtail Tuna, Albacore Tuna, And Yellowfin Tuna. Scientifically known as Thunnus, this fish is mainly found in the eastern and western coastal regions. Different species are found in different regions, such as Bluefin Tuna found in northern western Australia, the southern region, and Tasmania; Yellowfin Tuna and Longtail Tuna in the eastern and western regions; albacore in the eastern region; and Skipjack Tuna in the South Australian coast. Although you will find Tuna Fish throughout the year, they are mostly found in the summer season, which is between December and February.
Since Tuna Fish is found in a lot of varieties, the height and weight of these fish vary. Bluefin Tuna is approximately 150 cm in height and 60 kg in weight; Skipjack Tuna has a height of 110 cm and a weight of 33.6 kg; Longtail Tuna is 150 cm in height and 32 kg in weight; and Yellowfin Tuna ranges from 26 cm to 52 cm long and has a weight of 136 kg to 181 kg. Tuna fish are a good source of nutrients since you will find omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Tuna fish is one of the healthiest fish that is eaten by a lot of Australians. There are a lot of dishes that are made from Tuna Fish, such as tuna mornay, cheesy tuna toasts with olive salsa, fish patties, pasta salads, tuna sandwiches, nachos, and wraps.
3. Mackerel
Mackerel fish, which is mostly found in Australia, is considered very good for a healthy heart. Scientifically known as Scomberomorus, this fish has a variety of species and is found in different regions of Australia. The most popular Mackerel species that you will find in Australia are Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Mackerel, School Mackerel, And Blue Mackerel. All these fish species are found in saltwater. You will find Spanish Mackerel primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, School Mackerel in northern Australia, Spotted Mackerel in the Western Pacific region, and Blue Mackerel in the southern regions. The best months to find Mackerel in Australia are between late June and October. You will find that there are different species of Mackerel available, and the size of each species varies based on a lot of factors, such as the region and temperature in which they are grown.
The sizes of different Mackerels are as follows: Spotted Mackerel has an average weight of 1.6 kg to 4 kg and a length of 50 cm to 80 cm; Spanish Mackerel grows up to 93 cm in length and 5.4 kg in weight; School Mackerel is approximately 1.7 kg to 4.5 kg in weight and 50 cm to 80 cm in length; and Blue Mackerel weighs 0.2 kg to 1.5 kg and is 20 to 65 cm in height. All these fish are rich in nutrients and have omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins in them. You will find that from Mackerel fish numerous dishes are made, such as mackerel sashimi, mackerel fish tacos, mackerel curry, and mackerel and potato salad, and along with this, people love eating them in fried, smoked, or grilled form.
4. Yellowtail Kingfish
Yellowtail Kingfish is scientifically known as Seriola lalandi and is majorly found in the southern region of Australia, ranging from Queensland to Trigg Island, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Also known as Yellowtail Amberjack, this fish species lives near coastal waters, reefs, and offshore islands. Yellow kingfish mainly live in warm temperatures and are found in saltwater. Since this fish lives in warm temperatures, the peak time to find this species is between December and March. But you will be able to find this species all year. The Yellowtail Kingfisher got its name from the yellow strips that can be seen on her body from the eye to the tail. In addition to this, the colour on their upper body is metallic blue to green, and on its sides, you will find silvery-white, giving it a more elegant and graceful look.
This fish species is mostly found in saltwater and is usually large in size. On average, a Yellowtail Kingfish species weighs between 10 kg and 15 kg and has a height of approximately 100 cm. The longest Yellowtail Kingfish found is 70 kg in weight and almost 200 cm in height. This is a very famous Australian fish that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Along with this, it also has vitamin D and selenium in it. Since this fish is eaten by a lot of Australians, there are a lot of dishes that can be made from Yellowtail Kingfish. Some of the dishes are Sashimi, Ceviche, Kingfish Carpaccio, Grilled Kingfish, Kingfish Tataki, Kingfish Tacos, and Kingfish Poke Bowl.
5. Swordfish
The Swordfish, also known as the broadbill Swordfish, or Broadbill, is a very famous fish that is consumed by a lot of Australians. Scientifically known as Xiphias gladius, this fish is found all over Australia, mainly near the continental shelf. Along with this, you may find it near southern Australia. You will find this fish mainly in saltwater, and it lives in cold water, nearly at a temperature of 18°C to 22°C. Swordfish are available throughout the year, but the best time to find them is from September through January. This is a unique-shaped fish that has an elongated upper jaw line that resembles a sword, and this shape helps them to move efficiently and catch their prey. The colour of the body of this fish is usually dark brown or metallic purple on the top and a lighter shade underneath.
You will find that it is one of the largest predatory fish and is usually large in size. The average size of Swordfish is from 150 cm to 300 cm in length and 70 kg to 150 kg in weight. The biggest Swordfish found in Australia weighs something around 436.2 kg. Swordfish is a very delicious fish that has a lot of nutrients in it, such as being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and being rich in protein. Along with this, you will find vitamin D and B12 in Swordfish. This is a very nutritious fish that carries a lot of benefits, such as being good for a healthy heart and helping you fight against cancer. The famous dishes that are made from Swordfish are Lemon Garlic Swordfish, Swordfish Souvlaki, Swordfish Souvlaki Recipe, Grilled Swordfish Sicilian Style, Swordfish with Beetroot Mash, Swordfish with Beetroot Mash, Grilled Swordfish, and Swiss Chard.
6. King George Whiting
King George Whiting is a unique fish that lives in an estuarine environment. This is a unique habitat where you will find a mixture of salt and freshwater. Scientifically known as Sillaginodes Punctatus, this fish is mainly found in the southern region of Australia, ranging from Sydney, New South Wales, to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. You may also find this fish in Tasmania. This fish is commonly found near grassland beds, channels, and broken reefs. Although this fish is found throughout Australia, the best time to find it is between March and August. Famously known as South Australian Whiting or Spotted Whiting, this fish has a long, slender body with a small head and mouth. This fish is usually golden brown to olive brown in colour from its top and white to silver on its underside.
The King George Whiting fish is found in different sizes depending upon the factors and surroundings in which they are grown. Some of these fish are long enough to range from 35 cm to 72 cm and can weigh up to approximately 5 kg. The longest fish found in Australia is 80 cm, and it weighs 4.8 kg. This fish contains a lot of nutritional benefits, such as having a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids and being rich in vitamin B12. Along with this, it is good for a healthy heart and reduces inflammation. There are a lot of dishes that are made from King George whiting, such as Crumbed King George whiting, King George whiting and chips, King George whiting rolls, Pan Fried Whiting Fish, Garlic Baked Whiting, and George whiting with lentil and caper salad. All these dishes are very famous and delicious, and they are eaten by a lot of Australians.
7. Australian Salmon
Australian Salmon, also known as Salmon Trout or WA Salmon, is a common species that is eaten by a majority of people. This is a native fish species that is found in many regions of Australia. You will find it along the coast of Perth, ranging from the Great Australian Bight to western Victoria and some parts of NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania. This is a special type of fish that can live in both freshwater and saltwater, and the temperature required for these fish to live is moderate, ranging from 12°C to 24°C. You will find these fish throughout the year, but the larger fish are found between June and October. In Tasmania, these fish are found in January and April. This fish is long in size, and it is usually dark blue-green or greenish-brown in colour. The special feature of this fish is that it has a large dorsal fin on its upper part.
Australian Salmon are usually large in size and are affordable. The average size of these fish ranges from 40 cm to 75 cm in height and approximately 1 kg to 5 kg in weight. You will find that the largest Australian Salmon recorded in Australia is 10.5 kg in weight and 100 cm in height. This is a very delicious fish that has a lot of nutrients and is good for your health. Some of the nutrients found in this fish are omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins such as vitamin D and B12, and minerals that include selenium and iodine. Being a nutritious fish, there are a lot of dishes that are made from this fish, such as crumbed and pan-fried scrambled egg and salmon bagels, smoked salmon and dill Dutch baby, grilled salmon, barbecued salmon with herbs and capers, and salmon and potato patties.
8. Australian Bass
Australian Bass is a native species that is scientifically called Macquaria novemaculeata. It is a species that is easily found in many regions of Australia, such as in coastal rivers and streams. This fish is mostly found in the Wilsons Promontory region of Victoria and on the eastern seaboard of the Bundaberg region in central Queensland. This fish lives in both types of water, that is, fresh and brackish water. Brackish water is a type of water where you will find a mixture of freshwater and saltwater. This is another fish that lives at a moderate temperature, which is between 12°C and 24°C. This is a fish that is mostly found in the summer season between December and February. However, you can find it throughout the year. The fish is usually olive greenish or silver grey in colour from the back, has lighter green sides, and has dark grey fins.
This fish mainly ranges from 0.4 kg to 0.5 kg in weight and approximately 20 to 30 cm in length. In the southern region, it grows up to 55 cm in length and 2.5 kg in weight and in the northern region, it grows up to 60 cm to 65 cm in height and 3 kg in weight. You will find that Australian Bass is a very delicious fish that has various nutrients present in it, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are essential for a healthy, balanced diet. There are a lot of ways in which Australian Bass is cooked, such as when some people enjoy it grilled, smoked, or even barbecued. Some of the famous dishes made from Australian Bass are seared Chilean sea bass, sea bass with tomato and basil salsa, foil-baked sea bass with spinach, grilled sea bass with garlic butter, and sea bass with couscous.
Conclusion
Australia has a diverse aquatic ecosystem where you will find a large variety of delicious fish that are consumed by a lot of people. From the delicious Barramundi to the premium King George Whiting, the diversity is so rich that there’s something for everyone. Whether you eat fish regularly or are looking to try it for the first time, Australia offers some of the most delicious fish that will definitely improve your seafood or fish eating experience. So the next time you go out for dinner, don’t forget to try these mouth-watering and delicious fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are multiple fish that are considered the tastiest in Australia based on the different features they possess. Barramundi is renowned for its mild and fatty richness; Blue Mackerel for its rich and strong flavours; and Snapper for its sweet and versatile taste. All these are delicious fish and should be tried by an individual.
Although there are a lot of fish that Australians consume, some of the common fish that Australians consume the most are Australian salmon, tuna, barramundi, mullet, and flathead. All these fish are eaten the most because they are delicious, easily available, and, along with that, are good for health.
The most expensive fish that is consumed by Australians is bluefin tuna, which ranges from $60 to $300 per kilogram. After this, King George Whiting is also a very costly fish that ranges from $85 to $100 per kilogram. The price of these fish species is costly and varies based on a lot of factors, such as the area in which they are grown, the season in which they are available, and the weather conditions of the area.
When it comes to mentioning the healthiest fish, three stand out, namely Australian salmon, blue Mackerel, and sardines. These are considered the healthiest fish because they have high omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart, and they have low mercury levels, which are good for the human body.
The most popular fish that can be easily hunted by fishermen in Australia is the snapper. It is available in large quantities, and its delicious white meat adds to its overall richness.
There are a few fish that are illegal to catch in Australia because they are protected, are available in a limited quantity, or are going to disappear. Some of these fish species are Great White Shark, Australian Grayling, and Seahorses.
There are a few fish that are unhealthy for the human body since they have a high level of mercury in them. Some of them are imported Swordfish, imported Marlin, Sharks, and Tilefish. If an individual consumes fish that have a high level of mercury content in them, it can lead to a lot of health issues, such as neurological problems, muscle weakness, and developmental issues.