Croaker (Mushka Fish)

Introduction

If you prefer fish that’s soft, mild, and easy to cook, Croaker — locally known as Mushka, is one of the best choices you can bring home. This popular Arabian Sea fish has delicate white flesh, a clean, mild flavor, and a flaky texture that works perfectly for frying, curry, baking, or steaming. Because it cooks quickly and absorbs spices beautifully, Mushka is a great option for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

Our Croaker (Mushka) is freshly sourced daily, cleaned thoroughly, and delivered chilled so you get restaurant-quality seafood without leaving your home. With its high meat yield, soft texture, and affordable price, it’s a staple in many Pakistan households, simple, tasty, and incredibly versatile.

Similar Fish to Try

If you enjoy the soft, delicate taste of Croaker (Mushka), you may also love Irani Mushka for a richer flavor, Seabream (Safaid Dandia) for a buttery bite, or Javelin Grunter (Dhotar) for a firmer, meaty texture.

Flavor Profile

This is a very good eating fish. The flesh is off-white with a good medium flavor. One must use simple species that won’t mask the flavor and just lightly dust with rice flour for frying.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Croaker, Drum, Tiger-tooth Croaker
• Local Name: Mushka, Pandasi
• Scientific Name: Otolithes Cuvieri

Habitat

Croaker mushka fish is a Sea fish that mainly lives at inshore and coastal waters.

Catching Method

Croaker Mushka Fish is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, and Bottom Trawls.

Physical Attributes

Croaker Mushka Fish has Scales on the body. The body is fairly slender, depth slightly less than head length, mouth large and strongly oblique with lower jaw projecting; no upper pores on the snout, 1–2 pairs of moderate canine teeth in the upper jaw or both jaws, 13–15 gill rakers on lower limb of the first-gill arch, swim bladder carrot-shaped, with branching appendages along its entire lateral sides, caudal fin rhomboid.

Color

Scale centers are brown on the upper two-thirds of the body, forming narrow oblique bands of spinous dorsal fin edged in grey-black, anal, and paired fins are yellowish.

Size

On average, Croaker mushka fish size is 200 gram to 1 kg per fish. However, Other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Croaker is preferred for Whole and Gutted and Headless and Gutted, Slices, Boneless Fillets, Boneless Biscuits, and Boneless Fingers.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100 %
• Gutted: 80 %
• Headless and Gutted: 70 %
• Slices: 68 %
• Boneless: 42 %

Why Choose Croaker (Mushka) from Anbar Fish?

Soft, Flaky Flesh – Perfect for frying, curry & light seasoning
Mild, Clean Taste – Great for kids and families who prefer lighter seafood
High Meat Yield – Fewer bones and more edible flesh
Fresh Daily Catch – Sourced straight from the Arabian Sea
Hygienically Cleaned & Chilled – Delivered fresh across Karachi

Health Benefits of Croaker (Mushka)

Rich in Lean Protein – Helps with strength and energy
Low Fat & Low Calories – Excellent for healthy diets
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports heart & brain health
Packed with B Vitamins – Boosts metabolism and immunity
Minerals Like Selenium & Phosphorus – Good for bones & body repair

Cooking Inspiration

Karachi-Style Fried Mushka – Golden, crispy, and full of flavor
Mushka Curry – Soft flakes in a rich tomato-onion masala
Herb-Grilled Croaker – Smoky, light, and aromatic
Steamed Mushka with Lemon – Healthy & clean-tasting
Pan-Seared Fillets – Quick weekday meal in minutes

Croaker (Mushka Fish) – FAQ