In Fish of the month we will endeavour to identify for the consumer fish and seafood that we in the industry believe are undervalued and good buying for the informed consumer.

Why are some fish undervalued — There are more than one hundred and fifty commercial species of fish available in Australia. Many of these species enter the market sporadically, not allowing time for the consumer the opportunity to familiarize themselves. For those of us lucky enough to work in the seafood industry much pleasure is sourced by seeking out these lesser known species..

SEPTEMBER ‘02

Fish of the month - (Giant) Boarfish

Scientific Name: Paristiopterus gallipavo & P. labiosus

Habitat: Marine: demersal on the continental shelf and slope in depths of 10 — 260m.

Fishing Method: most commonly caught in the South East Trawl Fishery

Size: To about 90cm and 12 kg (typically 45 — 60 cm and 1.0 — 2.5 kg)

An excellent eating fish - grab it when you spot it at the fish mongers. Sold either whole or as a fillet and suits most methods of cooking.

Flesh is firm, with a beautiful mild flavour.

Total omega-3: 113mg/100g

Tip: This fish is extremely good value. Boarfish is largely unknown and as a result it has remained very reasonably priced.