Croaker (Mushka Fish)

Introduction

If you’re searching for a fish that’s light, tasty, and easy to prepare, Croaker — or Mushka, as it’s called locally, is a true everyday favorite. With its soft, flaky flesh and gentle, mild flavor, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys seafood without the strong “fishy” taste. That makes Mushka especially popular among families and kids.

It’s a versatile fish that shines in almost any recipe, fried golden with spicy masala, grilled with lemon and herbs for a smoky twist, or slow-cooked into a comforting curry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. Because of its clean taste, Croaker also works well in lighter dishes like baked fillets or simple pan-seared cuts.

Similar Fish to Try: If you enjoy Mushka, you’ll likely also love Sardine (Luar) for its richer taste, Indian Mackerel (Bangda) for its bold, oily flavor, or Javelin Grunter (Dhotar) for its firm, mild flesh, all available fresh at Anbar Fish Karachi.

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 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 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 %

What Makes Mushka Special?

• Mild, Odor-Free Taste – Great for those who prefer lighter seafood.
• Flaky, Tender Flesh – Easy to cook, perfect for frying and curries.
• Balanced Meat Yield – Affordable, yet gives plenty of usable meat.
• Family-Friendly – A favorite for both kids and adults.

Cooking Inspiration

• Masala Fried Mushka – Crispy, spiced, and perfect with naan.
• Grilled Croaker with Lemon Butter – Smoky and juicy for BBQ nights.
• Karachi-Style Curry – Bold, tangy masala with soft fish chunks.
• Baked Croaker Fillets – A healthy, oven-baked option with herbs.

Health Benefits

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

Croaker (Mushka Fish) — FAQ