Indian Mackerel (Bangda)

Introduction

Indian Mackerel – Bangda is a highly commercial fish in South Asia and probably the number one exported fish from Pakistan to China, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Europe. The fish is very seasonal in Pakistan and is abundantly available from September to March. However, limited supply remains to continues in the off-seasons as well. Since it’s a relatively small fish, it has very limited cooking options. Indian Mackerel – Bangda is one of the healthiest fish found in the Arabian Sea and is loaded with Omega-3, Protein, and Zinc.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Indian Mackerel
• Local Name: Rastrelliger kanagurta
• Scientific Name: Rastrelliger kanagurta
• Family: Scombrid

Habitat

Indian Mackerel is a Sea fish that mainly lives in the Pelagic region and travels in schools near coastal waters.

Catching Method

Indian Mackerel is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, Seines, & Cast nets.

Physical Attributes

Indian Mackerel has only a few Scales right behind the gill covers. The body depth at the posterior margin of opercle is 4.3–5.2 in FL, gill rakers are very long and are visible when the mouth is opened, 30–46 on a lower limb on 1st-gill arch and 2 widely separated dorsal fins and maxilla partly concealed, covered by lacrimal bone, well developed adipose eyelid and intrapelvic process small and single.

Color

Back blue-green with longitudinal dark bands dorsally (golden in fresh specimens), silvery below with 1 or 2 rows of small, dark spots on sides of dorsal fin bases, dorsal fins yellowish with black tips, caudal and pectoral fins yellowish and other fins dusky.

Size

On average, Indian Mackerel size range is 100 gram to 150 gram per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Indian Mackerel is preferred for Whole & Gutted and Headless.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 80%
• Headless and Gutted: 68%
• Slices: 65%
• Boneless: Not Possible

Cooking Preferences

Indian Mackerel is preferred to Grill, Steam, Pan fry, and Bake

Health Benefits

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