5 Mercury-free Fish Species You Can Buy at the Market

Rice Fish

When it comes to fish that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals, rice fish is the first choice for buyers. This is because rice fish live in saltwater environments, have a short lifespan, and are usually sold shortly after being caught. They are not raised in captivity and are not fed anything harmful to their health. In July 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also listed rice fish as one of the best types of fish to consume.

Tuna

There is an old saying, “Mountains have many birds, and the sea has tuna.” The tuna referred to here is the Spanish tuna that we often talk about. All tuna species have similar growth patterns. They are warm-water fish that feed on smaller fish in the upper layers of the ocean. They migrate in schools during the summer and fall seasons. They are also migratory fish, so Spanish tuna does not reproduce artificially.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is a species that reproduces in schools and lives in the middle of the sea. The fish shoals emerge at dusk and disappear at dawn, and during the day, they live at the bottom of the ocean. Therefore, artificial reproduction of yellowfin tuna is currently challenging.

Yellowfin tuna is a small fish that is relatively cheap in the market but is very nutritious. It is rich in protein, trace elements, and vitamins, especially selenium, which is beneficial for the body. Yellowfin tuna is delicious when fried, stewed, stir-fried, or grilled.

Anchovy

Anchovies are warm-water fish found in coastal waters and are usually not found in open seas and oceans. They swim fast and usually live in the middle and upper layers of the water. However, during the fall and winter seasons when the water temperature is low, they live in deeper waters. Anchovies are social fish, and their population can reach up to 300 million when they gather. Therefore, artificial breeding of anchovies is challenging.

The most common daily consumption of anchovies is canned anchovies, which have fresh and tender meat with relatively high fat content. In addition, anchovies can also be used for fish oil extraction and as bait in daily life!

Flatfish

Flatfish, also known as flounders, are mainly found in coastal areas. They are a type of fish that lives in the middle and lower layers of the open sea. Due to their migratory nature, it is currently difficult to artificially reproduce them. Besides being used as food, flatfish are also popular as large ornamental fish in tropical and subtropical regions.

Flatfish not only have few bones, tender meat, and a delicious taste, but they also have high nutritional value, making them highly sought after for consumption. Flatfish has high-quality protein and essential amino acids for the human body, which can be easily absorbed. Regular consumption of flatfish can provide good nutritional supplementation for the body.

Furthermore, the majority of the fat content in flatfish is unsaturated fatty acids, which is beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels, preventing high blood pressure and high blood fat. Flatfish is also rich in magnesium and selenium, which can effectively prevent cancer and delay the aging process.