5 Types of Fish That Cannot Be Farmed: A Guide to Smart Shopping

31 December, 2024

Five fish species that cannot be farmed are mackerel, jackfish, small yellow croaker, halfbeak, and sardines. These fish have adapted to the high pressure of the ocean, and when they leave the deep sea and return to freshwater environments with lower water pressure, the blood pressure of these fish surpasses the water pressure, causing their blood vessels to rupture and resulting in their death.

1. Jackfish

Jackfish, also known as a migratory species, are extremely difficult to keep in small ponds or confined seas. They require migration for successful reproduction, and to date, there has been no successful artificial reproduction of jackfish.

The nutritional value of wild-caught jackfish from the deep sea is also very high. Per 100 grams of jackfish meat, there is 19 grams of protein, 7.4 grams of fat, as well as a plethora of other nutrients including unsaturated fatty acids and fiber. Jackfish are also a great choice for children as they are delicious and versatile, suitable for a variety of cooking methods.

2. Mackerel

An ancient saying goes, “The mountains have the red-crowned crane, and the sea has the mackerel.” Mackerel are warm-water fish that feed on small fish from the upper layers of the ocean. They migrate in schools during summer and autumn and are also a migratory species, which is why there is no artificial reproduction of Spanish mackerel.

3. Small Yellow Croaker

Small yellow croaker are a schooling species that inhabit the middle of the sea. They surface at dusk and dive at dawn, spending their days on the seabed. This makes artificial reproduction challenging. Despite being inexpensive, small yellow croakers are nutrient-rich, containing high levels of protein, trace elements, and vitamins, especially selenium, which is excellent for nourishing the body. They taste great when fried, braised, stir-fried, or grilled.

4. Halfbeak

Halfbeak, also known as flatfish, are predominantly found in coastal regions. They inhabit the middle and lower layers of the ocean in distant seas and exhibit seasonal migration patterns, making artificial reproduction challenging at present. Apart from being a food source, halfbeak are also popular as large tropical and subtropical aquarium fish.

Halfbeak are not only low in bones and tender but also highly nutritious and flavorful, making them a popular choice for home cooking. They provide high-quality protein and are rich in essential amino acids that the human body can easily absorb. Regular consumption of halfbeak can effectively meet the body’s nutritional needs. Moreover, the fat content in halfbeak mostly comprises unsaturated fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels and prevent hypertension and high blood lipid levels. Halfbeak are also rich in the trace elements magnesium and selenium, effectively preventing cancer and slowing down the aging process.

5. Sardines

Sardines are warm-water fish found in coastal waters and are rarely seen in the open ocean or deep sea. They swim rapidly and typically inhabit the middle and upper layers of the water column, but during autumn and winter, when surface temperatures drop, they move to deeper waters. Sardines are social fish, and their numbers can reach up to 300 million when they aggregate. This makes artificial breeding challenging.

The most common form of sardines consumed daily is canned sardines, known for their fresh and soft meat with relatively high fat content. Additionally, sardines can be used to extract fish oil, and they are also a source of fishmeal for bait, among other everyday uses.