King Fish (Surmai)

Introduction

King Fish – Surmai is one of the most famous fish of Pakistan along with White Pomfret and Red Snapper. Slightly overrated, King Fish – Surmai has a very loyal fan following all over Pakistan.

Having Tuna like the elongated body, King Mackerel is perfect for beautifully shaped slices for fry and grill. Having a very short shelf life, King Mackerel should be consumed fresh and is not recommended to freeze for a longer period of time.

Although King Mackerel is high in Omega-3 but has also mercury content concerns. Large King Mackerel have mercury that is beyond acceptable limits and can negatively impact the health.

Flavor Profile

King Mackerel has mild-sweet tasting flesh with a firm texture, moderate fat, and large, circular flakes when cooked. The flesh has a beautiful pinkish white color and remains white when cooked. Fillets have less blood-line than similar pelagic fish Such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, etc.

Nomenclature

• English Name: King Mackerel, Indo-Pacific King mackerel, Seer Fish, & King Fish
• Local Name: Surmai, Kar-gan & Gore
• Scientific Name: Scomberomorus guttatus

Habitat

King Mackerel is a Sea fish that mainly lives in the Pelagic region and coastal waters from 15 m to 200 m. Sometimes entering turbid estuarine waters.

Catching Method

King Mackerel is caught using Gillnets and Hook lines.

Physical Attributes

King Mackerel has loosely attached Scales on the body and can be easily removed during life. Body depth is less or nearly equal to head length, lateral line with many fine Auxillary branches anteriorly, almost straight to below middle of 2nd dorsal fin and gently bent downward to the middle of caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs.

Color

Blue on back, silvery on sides about 3 irregular rows of dark round spots (smaller than the eye) on sides of the body and spinous dorsal fin dark up to the eighth spine, white posteriorly, with distal margin black.

Size

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

Cutting Preferences

King Mackerel is preferred for Slices and Boneless Biscuits

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 80%
• Headless and Gutted: 70%
• Slices: 70%
• Boneless: 45%

Cooking Preferences

King Mackerel is preferred to Grill, BBQ, Fry, Steam, and Curry

Health Benefits

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