Lady fish (Bhambore)

Introduction

Ladyfish – Bhambore, also known as silver sillago is probably the crispiest frying fish with chewable bones and white flaky meat. If you ever experienced the scrumptiousness of small fish, you will probably love to have it on your plate.

Ladyfish – Bhambore has good flavor and can be an excellent eating fish if grown to an 8 to 10-inch size.

Flavor Profile

This fish has a good sweet flavor and can be an excellent eating fish if grown to an 8 to 10-inch size.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Lady Fish, Silver Sillago
• Local Name: Shoor, Bhambore, Lady Fish
• Scientific Name: Sillago sihama

Habitat

Lady Fish is a sea fish that is common along beaches, sandbars, mangrove creeks, and estuaries, recorded from freshwater. Maximum depth 60 m.

Catching Method

Lady Fish is caught using bottom trawls and gillnets.

Physical Attributes

Lady Fish has Scales on the body. The body is elongated and the head length 24–30%. The anal fin has 2 spines and 21–23 soft rays. The swimbladder is with two posterior extensions.

Color

Ladyfish has a light brown back. The lower ventral flanks and belly is whitish-silvery, without dark blotches.

Size

On average, Lady Fish size range is 50 to 150 grams per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Lady Fish is preferred for whole & gutted. Ladyfish being a relatively small fish is inappropriate for the slice and boneless cutting.

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole: 100%
Gutted: 80%
Headless and Gutted: 70%
Slices: 60%
Boneless: 40%

Cooking Preferences

Lady Fish is preferred to shallow fry with a lot of care.

Health Benefits

• Heart friendly
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Improves Immune System
• Strengthens the bones
• Improves Skin and Hair health