Reef Cod (Daama)

Introduction

Reef Cod – Daama is probably the most selling fish at Niwan Seafood since we introduced it to our audience a few years ago. Reef Cod – Daama has nothing to do with the common Codfish as Reef Cod belongs to the grouper family. It’s known as Reef Cod because of its flavor profile resemblance with Cod. Generally a small size fish, it’s best known for finger fish and can do great for fish n chips style cooking.

Flavor Profile

Reef Cod is a lean, moist fish with a distinctive yet mild flavor. Reef Cod meat has small flakes and a firm texture. Since it’s a small size fish, the meat is not very thick and is only suitable for boneless finger cutting. Even though it is lean, this fish is forgiving during cooking and can be rather difficult to “overcook” in the sense of drying out.

Nomenclature

English Name: Reef Cod, Rock Cod
Local Name: Damba & Daama
Scientific Name: Epinephelus chlorostigma

Habitat

Reef Cod is a Sea fish that is mainly found on Reefs, mud or muddy sand bottoms in depths of 10 to 300 m.

Catching Method

Reef Cod is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, and Bottom Trawling.

Physical Attributes

Reef Cod has Scales on the body. Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 15–17 rays, anal fin with 3 spines and 8–9 (rarely 9) soft rays, pectoral fins with 18–20 rays.

Color

Body pale greyish brown, usually with 5 dark vertical bars broader than interspaces.

Size

On average, the Reef Cod size range is 200 gm to 500 gm per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Reef Cod is preferred for Boneless fingers

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole: 100 %
Gutted: 80 %
Headless and Gutted: 55 %
Slices: 50 %
Boneless: 33 %

Cooking Preferences

Reef Cod is preferred to Grill, Fish n Chips, baking and Fry

Health Benefits

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