Dentex ( Daathi )

Introduction

Dentex fish locally known as Daathi is closely related to Red Snapper ( Heera ) and Grunter ( Dhotar ) shape and taste. Dentex – Daathi is known to have a great fish for curry and frying but it’s highly seasonal. Daathi is usually caught in coastal areas. A Daathi above 1 kg in size is considered very good for all types of cooking requirements. Daathi is not very abundant in the Pakistani sea, so it’s not commonly available at shops and roadside fishmongers.

Flavor Profile

Dentex is not only great game fish but is very famous for its taste and aroma. Its pinkish-white flesh is firm and flaky and turns to be very juicy when cooked properly.

Habitat

Dentex is usually found in shallow water less than 50 m deep.

Nomenclature

English Name: Dentex, Common Dentex
Local Name: Daathi
Scientific Name: Dentex

Catching Method

Dentex are caught using bottom trawls, gillnets, and hand lines.

Physical Attributes

The ovary of the body, rather deep and compressed. In adults, the profile of the head is smoothly rounded but almost straight in the young.  A slight frontal drop in very large individuals. Eyes are small, suborbital space wide. Cheeks falling; The scales appear on the preamp except at its anterior margin. Facedown, somewhat oblique.

Color

In young Dentex specimens, the color is silvery-brown, stained with black on the back and top, pink with sexual maturity; Older individuals have blue-gray and darker spots more or less spread with age.

Size

On average, the Dentex size range is 1 kg to 5 kg per fish. However, Other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Dentex is preferred for all types of cutting.

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole: 100 %
Gutted: 82 %
Headless and Gutted: 70 %
Slices: 65 %
Boneless:40 %

Cooking Preferences

Dentex is preferred to Grill & deep fry.

Health Benefits

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