Javelin Grunter (Dhotar)

Javelin Grunter (Dhotar) — Mild, Firm & Perfect for Frying, Curry, BBQ & Daily Cooking

Javelin Grunter — known locally as Dhotar — is a mild, firm-textured, and versatile white fish that fits beautifully into everyday cooking. It’s loved for its balanced flavor, soft-yet-firm texture, and great meat yield, making it a family favorite across Karachi.

Dhotar slices hold their shape during cooking, which makes them ideal for golden fry, spicy masala curry, grilled fillets, BBQ, or pan-seared recipes. With its clean taste and low-smell profile, it’s a great choice for those who prefer light seafood without strong aroma.

Freshly sourced from the Arabian Sea, cleaned properly, and delivered chilled — our Dhotar gives you freshness, convenience, and consistent quality in every order.

Similar Fish to Try

If you love the texture and mild flavor of Dhotar, you may also enjoy: Seabream (Safaid Dandia), Goldline Bream (Kapartan), Flathead (Kukkar), or Red Snapper (Heera) — all great options with firm white meat.

Flavor Profile

Dhotar is a lean, moist fish with a firm texture and a distinctive sweet flavor which makes it versatile for many flavor components from mild to strong. The meat is easy to break on the plate but can get harden if overcooked.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Grunter, Javelin Grunter, Silver Grunter
• Local Name: Dhotar, Kumpo
• Scientific Name: Pomadasys kaakan

Habitat

Javelin Grunter is a Sea fish that lives in estuaries and coastal waters down to 60 m.

Catching Method

Grunter is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, and Bottom Trawls.

Physical Attributes

Javelin Grunter has Scales on the body. Body depth 2.5–3 in SL, mouth small, maxilla reaching to the eye; jaw teeth villiform (brush-like); 2 pores and a median pit on the chin; dorsal fin with 12 spines and 13–15 soft rays, anal fin with 3 spines and 7–8 soft rays; scales ctenoid, 7 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin.

Color

Javelin Grunter has 12 or more vertical bars comprised of small dark brown spots or irregular blotches, dorsal fin spotted with dark brown to black spots on the lower half of spinous dorsal fin and in 3 rows on rayed dorsal fin, adults uniform golden-green above, silvery below with traces of the vertical bars present only when alive and spots on dorsal fins indistinct or absent, large individuals sometimes with head, ventral parts of the body and lower lobe of caudal fin yellowish.

Size

On average, the Grunter size range is 500 g to 2 kg per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Grunter is preferred for Slices along with head pieces.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 85%
• Headless and Gutted: 60%
• Slices: 62%
• Boneless: 40%

Why Choose Our Javelin Grunter (Dhotar Fish)?

• Daily Fresh Catch – Delivered straight from Karachi Fish Harbour.
• Firm, Mild Flesh – Absorbs spices well without being overly “fishy.”
• Rich in Nutrients – High in protein, omega-3s, and essential minerals.
• Custom Preparation – Available whole, gutted, sliced, or boneless fillets.
• Hygienic Packaging – Clean, chilled, and ready to cook.

Cooking Inspiration

• Fried Dhotar Masala – Crispy, spicy, and perfect with naan or rice.
• Grilled Javelin Grunter with Lemon Butter – Smoky, juicy, and healthy.
• Karachi-Style Dhotar Curry – A bold masala base with tender fish chunks.
• Baked Grunter with Herbs – Light and wholesome for family dinners.

Health Benefits of Javelin Grunter

• Supports Heart Health – Omega-3 fatty acids regulate cholesterol and boost circulation.
• Protein-Rich – Lean protein for muscle building and recovery.
• Bone & Joint Strength – High in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
• Immunity Boost – Selenium and vitamin B12 strengthen the body’s defense system.
• Weight-Friendly – Low in calories, making it a balanced diet option.

Javelin Grunter (Dhotar Fish) — FAQ