Fresh Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi) – Soft, Juicy & Perfect for Frying
Spotted Sicklefish, locally known as Jalebi Fish, is a saltwater fish loved for its soft texture, juicy flesh, and mild flavor. It is especially popular for frying and quick-cook desi recipes, where the fish develops a crisp outer layer while remaining tender inside.
The meat is delicate yet flavorful, making Jalebi Fish ideal for masala fry, shallow frying, and light pan-cooked dishes. Its natural taste blends well with simple spices like turmeric, red chili, lemon, and garlic, allowing home cooks to prepare satisfying meals without heavy seasoning. Because it cooks quickly, it’s a convenient option for everyday lunches and dinners.
At Anbar Fish, Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi) is carefully cleaned, hygienically processed, and delivered via nationwide cold-chain logistics, ensuring consistent freshness and quality across Pakistan.
Similar Seafood You May Like
Bombay Duck (Bombil)
Sardine Fish (Luar)
White Sardine (Mittu)
Flavor Profile
Most of the time our customers want it to be skinned and headless, but still on the bone. “Easy to fillet, the flesh is mild flavored and has an almost ‘chickenability’ in regards to how you can cook it.
Nomenclature
- English Name: Sicklefish, Spotted Sicklefish
- Local Name: Jalebi, Jalebi Paplet
- Scientific Name: Drepane punctata
Habitat
Spotted sickle fish is a sea fish that occurs in a variety of inshore habitats, such as sand or mud bottoms, reefs, estuaries, and harbors.
Catching Method
Spotted sickle fish is caught using gillnets, bottom trawls, seines, and bag nets.
Physical Attributes
Spotted sickle fish has scales on the body. The body is oval and strongly compressed. It has a highly protrusible mouth that is forming a downward-pointing tube when protruded; rounded or bluntly wedge-shaped caudal fin; elongate and falciform pectoral fins and large adults with a bump or bony knob on the interorbital region.
Color
Head and body silvery, fins dusky yellow, dorsal and caudal fins darker distally, 2 or 3 longitudinal rows of small dark spots on the soft dorsal fin.
Size
On average, the Sicklefish size range is 300 to 1500 grams per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.
Cutting Preferences
Sicklefish is preferred for slices with center bone. Small fish are preferred for whole & gutted cutting as they easily fit the pan.
Approx. Cutting Yields
- Whole: 100%
- Gutted: 85%
- Headless and Gutted: 70%
- Slices: 50%
- Boneless: 32%
Why Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi) is Popular
- Soft and juicy texture
- Mild flavor with no overpowering smell
- Excellent for frying and quick meals
- Cooks evenly and fast
- Popular in traditional home cooking
Health Benefits of Spotted Sicklefish
- High in lean protein
- Naturally low in fat
- Supports muscle health and daily energy
- Easy to digest
- Suitable for balanced diets
(Fresh seafood with no artificial additives or preservatives)
Best Ways to Cook Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi)
Masala Fry – Shallow fried with desi spices
Crispy Fry – Light coating for crunch
Pan Fry – Simple salt, chili, and lemon
Dry Masala – Short cooking, bold taste
Tea-Time Fry – Quick snack-style preparation
Chef Tip: Because Jalebi Fish is soft, fry on medium-high heat and flip gently. Avoid overcooking to keep the fish juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi) boneless? | No, it contains bones typical of whole fish. |
| Is it best for frying? | Yes, it is especially popular for frying. |
| Does it cook quickly? | Yes, it cooks faster than many larger fish. |
| Does it have a strong smell? | No, it has a mild aroma when fresh. |
| Do you deliver Jalebi Fish nationwide? | Yes, via cold-chain delivery across Pakistan. |
Alam Azhar Qureshi (verified owner) –
I have ordered the fish yesterday, and today they delivered the freshest fish.Mashallah fish is absolutely fresh and cutted very well. Will order them again. All the best for your great services.