Pangasius - what kind of fish and what is its “secret”?
Pangasius is a freshwater fish that belongs to the catfish family. People often call it shark catfish. This is due to the special shape of the fin. It has a point, and therefore resembles a shark. The fish mainly lives at the bottom of rivers and is quite shy. At the same time, it has high activity.
The photo shows a pangasius, what it looks like after being caught.
And this is how we know him
Pangasius is an omnivore. It eats living inhabitants of water bodies, such as small fish, plankton, mollusks, and also feeds on algae. When breeding pangasius on farms, it is often given special food in the form of granules. It consists of fish waste. This product contains minerals and valuable additives.
Species of shark catfish
The most common 2 types of pangasius:
- High-finned (sanitwongzei) – this species is characterized by a muscular body, flattened head, and large mouth. The fin located on the back is triangular in shape. It is quite stretched out. This variety has a uniform gray-black color and light fins, which are decorated with a black border. The fish can reach a length of 100 cm. However, on average its size does not exceed 50-70 cm. The fish mainly leads a solitary lifestyle.
- Big Eyes pangasius aquarium - its distinctive feature is the dorsal fin, which is characterized by its small size and rounded shape. The mouth of this species of pangasius is much smaller. Juveniles have longitudinal stripes. They do not disappear with age, but become significantly lighter. When grown in an aquarium, the size of the fish usually does not exceed 30-40 cm. It is highly mobile. When grown in aquarium conditions, it is recommended to keep this variety in flocks of 5-6 individuals.
Bigeye shark catfish
The difference between pangasius and other fish - tilapia and sole
Quite often, pangasius is confused with sole. In fact, these are completely different fish that belong to different orders. The sole is flounder-shaped, so it is characterized by a flat body structure.
The sole has a white fillet. It appears almost transparent. At the same time, pangasius is characterized by white-pink or gray meat. Moreover, it always contains pinkish fragments, which is not typical for sole. In addition, the sole always has a thin fillet, since the fish itself is flat. There is also no fat in this product.
Pangasius also differs from tilapia, which is constantly confused with it - it has a more rounded body and fins of a different shape (see photo):
tilapia
Pangasius from below and sole from above
Delicacy salt in cooking
Solea is a delicacy: it is more tender than flounder both in texture and taste. It is easy to make a completely boneless fillet from it, so even inexperienced restaurant guests can handle this fish without losing their faces. Fish is prepared in the same way as other sea creatures. Fried fillet is especially appreciated by gourmets, but salted and cooked in the oven or slow cooker are good.
“Salt fish,” as the sole was called in pre-revolutionary Russia, was a very expensive restaurant dish. It was also served to the table of the nobility only on special occasions. This is due to the difficulty of transporting the product in an era when there were no freezers and few cooks knew how to cook salt well.
Habitats
In nature, pangasius is found in freshwater bodies of Indochina. It is found in Laos and Cambodia. The fish is also found in Vietnam and Thailand. Most of it is found in the Mekong and Chao Phray rivers.
It is important to consider that they are heavily contaminated with effluents from chemical plants, household waste and toxic substances. Therefore, the generally beneficial pangasius fillet may turn out to be harmful if proper control is not ensured over the fishing and processing of the fish.
Fish processing often takes place under unsanitary conditions, as does fish farming.
What kind of fish is tilapia?
Composition and calorie content of fish fillet.
Tilapia fish is bred everywhere and is an object of industrial fishing.
The family consists of several genera and hundreds of species living in freshwater bodies, but it appeared on the shelves of our stores relatively recently, so it is still exotic. They are low-calorie foods that are rich in proteins and minerals. Calorie content is only 114 kcal per 100g. The chemical composition surprises with its diversity. It includes:
- “light protein” that can be quickly absorbed;
- vitamins B, E, D, K, PP, choline;
- mineral elements, including selenium;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3/6).
The disadvantage is the high cholesterol content (160 mg/100g), but there are many more advantages. This composition allows you to include fish in the diet of children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Important! It is most often delivered to Russia in the form of fillets. The tropical fish tilapia is not suitable for breeding in our frozen waters. She cannot live in them.
Lifestyle in aquarium conditions
Pangasius lives well in aquariums, which is why it is often bred for industrial purposes. Fish has a cowardly character, so it can rush in different directions or even faint. But little by little her behavior is normalizing.
Pangasius is a cautious and timid fish. Under any external influences, it simply freezes. The shark catfish can remain in this position for some time. Sometimes he even seems lifeless. But as the fish adapts to the situation, its behavior returns to normal.
Shark catfish have a fairly peaceful character. It is permissible to use barbs, labeos, and rainbows as neighbors. When choosing other inhabitants of the aquarium, it is important to ensure that the pangasius is not too large. Otherwise, other fish may suffer in conflicts.
Aquarium shark catfish
Nutritional preferences and regime
Pangasius is an omnivorous and unpretentious fish. He eats almost everything - other fish, plant products, shellfish. When bred in aquarium conditions, fish can be fed with different types of food - tablets, flakes, live foods. The best option for pangasius is a mixed diet. To do this, combine plant and animal feed.
You need to feed the fish 2-3 times a day. The serving size should be such that the pangasius can eat it within 5 minutes. Among animal foods, he prefers small fish, worms, bloodworms, shrimp, and crickets. When choosing plant foods, you should use zucchini, cucumbers, and lettuce.
What fish do scientists consider absolutely safe?
Fish that is grown in eco-farms lives in water purified from mercury, so you can eat it without any fear for your health. Some marine and oceanic species are also considered safe: they rarely reach large sizes, so the content of toxic substances in them is negligible. We are talking about the types of fish that you can (and should!) eat more often in order to get all the necessary fatty acids.
Herring
Many people love salted herring. You can also buy it fresh and cook it at home. This fish is considered one of the most environmentally friendly, although it is never grown on farms, but is caught in the ocean. It contains a lot of protein and fatty amino acids.
Sardine
This is a completely ordinary fish that can be found in any store, but it is very useful. It contains a large amount of calcium (more than cottage cheese!), as well as iodine, potassium, magnesium, fluorine and omega-3 fatty acids. Most of the beneficial properties of sardines are preserved in canned food; they can be given even to small children from 1 year old, crushed with a fork.
Mackerel
Another fish that may seem boring. But it is healthy and safe, tasty and fatty: it contains vitamins E, A and D, trace elements and minerals. It should be included in your diet at least 2-3 times a week to support immunity and healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.
Pink salmon
This fish is also caught in the wild, so there are no traces of antibiotics or other additives harmful to the body. Fish with pinkish-orange meat contains vitamins B12 and B3, A, E and D, healthy fatty amino acids (including essential ones).
River or lake trout
This fish is very “picky”: it simply cannot live in dirty water, which is why its meat is considered one of the cleanest. Trout is low in calories compared to fatty types of sea fish, but it also contains a lot of amino acids and vitamins (primarily A and E).
Low-fat fish also include ruffe, river perch, pike, pollock, flounder, hake, and navaga. haddock and roach. The healthiest of them is called cod; it is suitable for dietary nutrition, good for home smoking, salting and cooking using hot methods.
Among the types of fatty fish, Caspian sprat, beluga, salmon, Chinook salmon, Ivasi, stellate sturgeon, omul and sturgeon are considered safe.
Fishing in natural conditions - if such a chance suddenly presents itself
To successfully catch pangasius in its natural habitat, it is necessary to take into account a number of features. To do this, it is important to know the habitats of fish and choose the right fishing gear.
Where to find
The fish, as already mentioned, lives in the Mekong and Mae Khlong rivers. It can also be caught in Chao Piraya. The basins of these reservoirs are located in Vietnam and Laos. They are also located in Cambodia and Thailand. Pangasius is a river fish.
Tackle
To catch this fish, special gear is usually used. In one pass, fishermen manage to pull out several individuals at the same time. They are placed in containers with water and sent to processing plants. There the fish is cleaned, cut, and vacuum packed. After which the pangasius fillets are exported to other countries.
This fish is very rarely caught on its own. Therefore, there are no exact recommendations regarding the preparation of gear. Fish can be caught using an ordinary fishing rod or a professional spinning rod. It is important to ensure that the tackle is strong enough. This will help pull out heavy fish.
This is such a pangasius fishing farm - would you like to participate?
How to catch
It is permissible to use cake, bread balls, and fruit as bait. You can also use leeches and worms for this purpose. Adults bite well on protein foods. You can easily catch them with live bait. Squid or shredded beef balls are also great.
The most difficult stage of fishing is fishing. It is not recommended to immediately take pangasius ashore. First you need to take time so that the fish gets tired and stops resisting. If while waiting it sinks to the bottom, it is recommended to tap the fishing rod. As a result, the fish will get scared and rise to the top.
A tired fish turns over with its belly up. At this stage, it is recommended to put on gloves, bring it to the shore, grab it by the gills with a hook and pull it out.
Lure
When fishing, you need to feed it. To do this, food is thrown into the water from a raft. Fruits and vegetables, bread, and cereals are used as top dressing. Small fish are also perfect for this purpose.
Reasons why you should not eat pangasius fish
The fish is grown in the Mekong River, which is located in Vietnam. It is considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the world. The fact is that water is often drained into the Mekong from chemical plants, sewer pipes or fields.
Pangasius is frozen in the same river. In order to speed up the growth process, producers use hormones that are injected into females. In addition, the fish are fed with GMOs and other chemicals harmful to human health.
This species is prohibited for sale in many countries in Europe and America. Experts found that the fish contained a high content of ice glaze, and also identified E. coli and Listeria bacteria.
The food and waste products of fish in such a habitat rot and give the meat a rotten smell. Doctors do not recommend consuming pangasius, because it can lead to liver damage, blood disease and other human organisms. Fish is also very dangerous for small children.
Taste, benefits and harms of fillet
The meat of this fish is characterized by a rather delicate taste, in which specific sweetish notes are felt. They are due to the fact that the fish is freshwater. Fillet can be of 2 colors - white or yellow-pink. The second option is of lower quality. The shade of meat is influenced by dietary habits and fish breeding conditions.
Pangasius fillet is a fairly healthy product. It includes many valuable substances. Fish is in demand among athletes. This is due to the significant amount of protein in it. This substance is responsible for the supply of amino acids, which take part in the formation of muscle tissue, maintain normal insulin levels, and strengthen the immune system. The product is dietary. There are only 115 kcal in 100 grams of fillet.
The beneficial properties of pangasius are undeniable, but there is a big BUT...
Pangasius meat contains phosphorus and calcium, which bring great benefits to the body and are important for bones. According to scientific research, systematic consumption of shark catfish fillet helps reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis. The substances that are present in this fish are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.
Pangasius also contains many vitamins that help improve the functioning of the nervous system. With their help, it is possible to get rid of insomnia and increased fatigue. Fish helps cleanse the body of free radicals, which negatively affect the condition of internal organs. This product contains ascorbic acid. It promotes the rapid absorption of valuable elements in the human body.
Although pangasius is not a marine fish species, it contains omega-3 acids. These substances have a beneficial effect on the condition of the joints. They also improve the functioning of blood vessels and restore tissue structure. In addition, these components help normalize the appearance of hair, nail plates, and skin. In addition, unsaturated fatty acids help improve vision.
With the systematic use of this product, the following results can be achieved:
- improve brain function;
- stop the aging process;
- prevent cancer;
- improve the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
- strengthen the immune system;
- start the fat burning process;
- stimulate metabolism;
- strengthen the heart.
Pangasius fillet is not classified as a hazardous product. However, if the rules of breeding, processing, transportation and storage are violated, it can cause great harm to health. Therefore, it is recommended to buy the product in fish stores that provide all the necessary documents.
Gray, reddish or yellow fillets are especially dangerous to health. The product acquires a reddish color due to oxygen deficiency, living in unsuitable conditions or treatment with toxic substances. A yellowish tint to the fillet is observed if the pangasius was not fed properly or lacked nutrients. Gray color if the fillet has been defrosted and frozen numerous times, or the storage rules were not followed. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy fillets of these shades.
Also, harm to the product may be associated with a violation of the fillet freezing process. It is best to shock-freeze fish. The use of this technology does not provoke changes in the composition and texture of the product.
Pink fillet is a good sign if the pinkness is natural
An excess of this type of fish in the diet can negatively affect the functioning of the body. Before adding fillet to the menu, you should consult your doctor. If you are intolerant to pangasius or have allergic reactions to fish, it is better to avoid it.
Tilapia fish: benefits and harms
Beneficial substances contained in king perch.
Substances that have a beneficial effect on the body:
- Thanks to phosphorus and calcium, the skeletal system is strengthened.
- Potassium and Omega acids improve cerebral circulation.
- Selenium stops mutations at the cellular level and normalizes hormonal levels.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids help the cardiovascular system function smoothly.
- Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that maintains youth and beauty.
- Vitamins help against depression, weakness, and support the immune system.
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Eating dishes from king perch will help maintain the normal functioning of the body and keep it in good shape. Who will benefit from diet and healthy immunity?
Interesting! Tilapia proteins are held in high esteem by bodybuilders, for whom dishes made from this fish help quickly build muscle mass because they are well absorbed. The fair sex also does not refuse a dietary product, which helps not only to lose weight, but thanks to vitamin E, maintain a beautiful appearance.
Possible health hazards
Tilapia fish, a photo of which is presented in the article, causes some controversy regarding its benefits.
It turns out that fish is not so harmless: it can cause harm. The danger lies in the fact that cichlids are omnivores; they can feed on a wide variety of foods: from plankton and algae to industrial waste and river debris. And here it all depends on how conscientiously the manufacturer treats this. If the food is of poor quality, the fillet will contain harmful and even hazardous compounds. The second not very favorable factor is the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Ideally, Omega 3/6 should be in a 1:1 ratio. But in king perch this ratio is broken and is 1:3, which negatively affects the functioning of the cardiac system. Therefore, people should refuse fish delicacies
- prone to allergies
- those suffering from heart disease,
- patients with asthma, arthritis,
- having autoimmune problems.
Important! It is better to purchase tropical fish from trusted sellers (look at the certificate) so that it turns out to be truly useful and not harmful. It’s good if you have the opportunity to choose fresh and healthy fish yourself.
Features of cooking pangasius fillet - recipes with video
Pangasius is a fairly oily fish, which is why it is often used to prepare various dishes. The advantage of this product is that it does not require cleaning or cutting. Stores sell ready-made fillets. It needs to be defrosted, washed and started cooking.
Fillet is used for soups, main courses, casseroles, cooked in a frying pan, in the oven and in a slow cooker. It makes excellent soufflés and aspics. You can use this meat to make pie fillings. Boiled fillet without fat is often added to dietary salads. In most cases, pangasius meat is fried, boiled or baked. When boiled it makes an excellent broth.
Note! The meat of such fish harmonizes perfectly with various dressings. It goes especially well with lemon-vinegar sauces.
Pangasius must be defrosted naturally. It is not recommended to use hot water or a microwave oven. However, the fish does not need to be completely defrosted. This is done only to a certain state, when the meat can be easily cut with a knife. Thanks to this cutting method, it will be possible to preserve the maximum of valuable components in the fish.
To make a healthy fish casserole, you should take the following ingredients for the recipe:
- 500 grams of pangasius fillet;
- 1 carrot;
- 1 onion;
- 1 egg;
- 100 grams of sour cream;
- 200 grams of cheese;
- spices.
The carcass needs to be cut into pieces and placed in a mold, sprinkled with any spices. Place onions and carrots on top. Separately mix the egg, sour cream and cheese and pour the dressing over the fish and vegetables. The dish needs to be baked for half an hour at a temperature of 200 degrees.
To get a dietary dish, you can use a double boiler. It is recommended to take the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of pangasius;
- 1 tomato;
- 50 g broccoli;
- a little bit of cheese;
- a pinch of salt.
The fillet should be washed and dried, placed in a steamer bowl and lightly salted. Place tomato and broccoli florets on top. Sprinkle the vegetables with hard cheese and turn on the steamer. You need to cook the dish for 15 minutes from the moment the water boils.
A very tasty dish can be obtained using a grill. To do this you need to take the following products:
- 1.5 kg fish fillet;
- 3 limes;
- spices for fish.
The fillet needs to be washed, salted and seasoned with your favorite spices. Then place the fish on the grill and place lime slices on top. It is recommended to fry the fillet on coals for 25 minutes. As a result, the fish should become golden. Open fire is not recommended.
Pangasius in batter:
How to cook pangasius fillet in the oven - video recipe:
Pangasius is a tasty and inexpensive fish that is used for various dishes. To choose the right product, it is important to consider the color and consistency of the fillet.
Description and habitats
Seabass or sea bass, sea pike perch, koikan, it can be called sea bass, lubina, rano, branzino or spigola, belongs to the Moron family, it is a marine predator.
Its diet consists of crustaceans living in the deep sea, small fish and shellfish, crabs, and shrimp. Young sea wolf live in schools, but as soon as they gain weight, they gradually move away from the school, obtaining their own food. Leads a restless lifestyle, in which group movements are made from one sea to another.
The fish is not tied to a specific depth, so it can swim both at the bottom and close to the surface of the reservoir.
The fish loves to hunt and can sit in ambush for a long time, waiting for its prey. The prey is captured by the sea bass's large mouth, then sucked in and swallowed.
Over the entire period of its life - about 15 years, it can reach a length of 1.1 meters and a weight of 12 kg. The average fish catch often allows you to see individuals up to 60 cm in length.
This fish is more often found in Atlantic waters, closer to the coast of Norway, Sinegal, the Black Sea, and also the Mediterranean. It will be interesting to know that in Antarctica and Subantarctic, sea bass fishing is considered one of the most profitable and profitable types of fishing. It likes to live near the coast, maybe at the mouth of a river, in small bodies of water; more often it can be found at the base of cliffs. Such fish love to penetrate into the river, where there is an admixture of sea water. The most preferable is the Chilean sea bass, which is fished from the depths of the sea in the pre-winter period, since it is during this period that the fish manages to replenish its body weight, and, consequently, improve its taste after spawning . If fishing is done illegally, as often happens, the fish go extinct. To avoid this, fishing quotas for sea bass and similar toothfish are being introduced everywhere.
The body of the sea bass is particularly massive, has a large and sharp head, a large mouth, sharp fins on the back, and characteristic spines in the gill area.
