What is a Fish?
Fish are aquatic, craniate, gill-bearing animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish as well as various extinct related groups.
Best Fish To Eat In South Africa
White/Cape Stumpnose
Averaging 50cm in length and 3kg in weight, this fish is mostly found in South Africa’s estuaries and sandy shores. This species of fish has very sought after for its tasty white flesh and is great when grilled or braaied.
Stumpnose with Sage and Lemon
- 1 Whole stumpnose (about 2kg), scaled and cleaned (or firm white fish like Hottentot, yellowfish, and angel)
- Small bunch of sage and parsley
- 2 tbs olive or sesame oil
- 2 tbs lemon or lime juice
- 2 tbs fish sauce (optional)
- Maldon salt and white pepper
- Zest of a large lemon, or 2-3 limes
- A dollop of butter
Spotted Grunter
Preferring the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, this fish is found in shallow waters along the East Coast of South Africa. The Spotted Grunter can get to a size of 90cm and a weight of around 10kg. The white flesh makes good eating, but the common practice has been to bleed the fish well after capture to improve the taste.
Cape Gurnard
The Cape Gurnard is endemic to SA’s shores and is also commercially trawled, along with being targeted by line-fisherman. Reaching a maximum size of 70cm and 5kg, this fish is very popular amongst fishermen as the flesh makes excellent eating if you can ignore the ugly appearance of the fish.
Galjoen
The Galjoen is known as SA’s National Fish and can be found along all rocky regions of SA’s coastline. Attaining a maximum length of 80cm and weight of 6.5kg, this fish has an acquired taste but is enjoyed immensely by those who favor it.
White/Black Musselcracker
Most prominently found on the South and East Coast of SA, this endemic species of fish is seen as a trophy catch by many a fisherman who has fought and lost against its strength.
The black variety is found in the rocky regions along the coast, while the white species prefers patrolling the sandy beaches.
With a maximum length of 120cm and approximately 30kg in weight, this fish makes good eating, but fishermen will say that the tastier ones are those under 10kg in size.
White Steenbras/Pig-nose Grunter
The White Steenbras is found along the entire coast of South Africa, primarily along sandy shores and estuaries. Reaching a length of around 120cm and 20kg in weight, this fish is popular amongst anglers and makes for good eating.
This species has also been caught as a commercial by-catch by South African trawlers and purse-seine fishermen.
Elf/Shad
Shad are found along the entire coastline of SA, where some prefer sandy areas with clear water and others in foamy water where the coast is rockier.
This predator hunts on the surface and reaches a length of 120cm and a weight of 14kg. The flesh makes for excellent eating but only when fresh – so avoid freezing this fish at all costs.
What is the healthiest fish to eat in South Africa?
Geelbek/Cape Salmon
This shoaling species of fish can reach a length of 130cm and a weight of 25kg. The flesh is most delicious and this has led to the decline in numbers.
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish are very healthy for us and we should aim to eat at least 1-2 fish meals per week.
Is tilapia good or bad for you?
Fish is one of the healthiest sources of protein, and tilapia is no exception. Tilapia is packed with vitamins and minerals like choline, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and phosphorus.
It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that your body needs to function.