King Fish (Surmai Fish)

Introduction

If there’s one fish that truly defines Karachi’s seafood culture, it’s King Fish — or Surmai as we call it locally. Loved for its firm, meaty texture and rich flavor, Surmai is a go-to choice for BBQs, curries, and pan-fried steaks. Its thick slices hold their shape beautifully during cooking, making it one of the most reliable and versatile fish you can buy.

Surmai is highly seasonal, with peak availability during the winter months when the Arabian Sea yields its freshest, fattest catches. The larger cuts provide excellent meat yield with fewer bones, making it a favorite for family feasts and restaurant-style cooking at home. Whether you’re grilling it with masala, shallow-frying fillets to golden perfection, or simmering it in a spicy curry, King Fish always delivers a bold and satisfying bite.

Similar Fish to Try: If you enjoy Surmai, you may also love Mahi Mahi (Amloshk) for its lean fillets, Emperor (Mulla Fish) for its firm flesh, or Red Snapper (Heera) for its sweet, delicate flavor — all available fresh at Anbar Fish Karachi.

Flavor Profile

King Mackerel has mild-sweet-tasting flesh with a firm texture, moderate fat, and large, circular flakes when cooked. The flesh has a beautiful pinkish-white color and remains white when cooked.

Nomenclature

• English Name: King Mackerel, Indo-Pacific King mackerel, Seer Fish, & King Fish.
• Local Name: Surmai, Kar-gan & Gore
• Scientific Name: Scomberomorus guttatus

Habitat

King Surmai is a Sea fish that mainly lives in the Pelagic region, indian ocean and coastal waters from 15 m to 200 m—sometimes entering turbid estuarine waters.

Catching Method

Surmai Fish is caught using Gillnets and Hook lines.

Physical Attributes

Surmai Fish has loosely attached Scales on the body and can be easily removed during life. Body depth is less or nearly equal to head length, lateral line with many fine Auxillary branches anteriorly, almost straight to below middle of 2nd dorsal fin and gently bent downward to the middle of caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs.

Color

Blue on the back, silvery on the sides about 3 irregular rows of dark round spots (smaller than the eye) on the sides of the body, and spinous dorsal fin dark up to the eighth spine, white posteriorly, with a distal margin black.

Size

On average, the King Surmai fish size range is 1 kg to 5 kg per fish. However, Other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Surmai Fish is preferred for Slices and Boneless Biscuits, you can also see our Cutting Guide.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 80%
• Headless and Gutted: 70%
• Slices: 70%
• Boneless: 45%

Why Choose King Fish (Surmai)?

• Premium Quality – One of Karachi’s most sought-after fish.
• Firm, Meaty Texture – Perfect for frying, grilling, and curries.
• Excellent Meat Yield – Thick slices with fewer bones.
• Rich Flavor – Bold taste that absorbs marinades and masala beautifully.
• Fresh & Hygienic Delivery – Direct from Karachi Fish Harbour, chilled and ready to cook.

Health Benefits of Surmai

• Omega-3 Powerhouse – Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
• High in Protein – Builds muscle strength and boosts energy.
• Bone & Joint Health – Rich in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
• Boosts Immunity – Packed with selenium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants.
• Weight-Friendly – Low in calories yet nutrient dense.

Cooking Inspiration

• Surmai Masala Fry – Crispy golden steaks with a spicy kick.
• Grilled King Fish – Marinated with garlic, lemon, and herbs for BBQ nights.
• Karachi-Style Curry – Bold tomato-onion masala simmered with thick slices.
• Tandoori Surmai – A smoky, restaurant-style favorite right at home.

King Fish (Surmai Fish) – FAQ