Reef Cod (Daama) — Premium White Meat, Firm Texture & Perfect for Frying, Curry, BBQ & Continental Cooking
Reef Cod — commonly known as Daama across Pakistan — is a premium, restaurant-grade fish famous for its firm white meat, delicate flavor, and high meat yield. It’s part of the grouper family, which means you get thick slices, mild taste, and a clean aroma, making it ideal for both desi and continental cooking styles.
Daama’s meat holds its shape during cooking, making it excellent for golden pan-fry, spicy curry, grilled fillets, BBQ, tawa masala, steamed fish, and baked lemon-garlic recipes. Its rich yet mild flavor makes it a favorite among families who want a premium white fish that isn’t too strong or heavy.
At Anbar Fish, your Reef Cod is sourced fresh from deep waters, cleaned professionally, washed, sliced (if requested), and delivered chilled for maximum freshness.
Similar Fish to Try
If you enjoy the premium taste of Daama, you may also like:
Hamour (Ghissar), Red Snapper (Heera), or Grouper varieties — all thick, firm white-meat fish.
Flavor Profile
Reef Cod is a lean, moist fish with a distinctive yet mild flavor. Reef Cod meat has small flakes and a firm texture. Since it’s a small size fish, the meat is not very thick and is only suitable for boneless finger cutting. Even though it is lean, this fish is forgiving during cooking and can be rather difficult to “overcook” in the sense of drying out.
Nomenclature
English Name: Spinycheek Grouper, Reef Cod
Local Name (Urdu): Damba (ڈمبا)
Scientific Name: Epinephelus diacanthus
Family: Serranidae
Order: Perciformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat
Reef Cod (Damba) thrives in coral reefs and rocky seabeds along the Arabian Sea. In Pakistan, it is mainly landed at the Karachi Fish Harbour and is available throughout the year, especially during winter and spring seasons.
Catching Method
At Anbar Fish Karachi, our Reef Cod (Damba) is caught using selective gillnets and hook-and-line methods that ensure minimal environmental impact and maximum freshness. Each fish is handpicked based on strict size, color, and texture quality.
Physical Attributes
The Reef Cod (Damba) has a robust body with distinct spines on its cheeks, giving it a rugged appearance. Its skin is greyish to light brown with speckles, while the meat underneath is pure white. It has a thick body that yields excellent boneless cuts.
Color
Body pale greyish brown, usually with 5 dark vertical bars broader than interspaces.
Size
On average, the Reef Cod size range is 200 gm to 500 gm per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.
Cleaning Preference
Damba is available in whole, gutted, sliced, or fillet formats. We recommend fillet or slice options for quick meals such as fish fingers, grilling, or boneless curries due to its low bone content and firm meat structure.
Approx. Cutting Yields
- Whole: 100 %
- Gutted: 80 %
- Headless and Gutted: 55 %
- Slices: 50 %
- Boneless: 33 %
Why Choose Reef Cod (Daama) from Anbar Fish?
Premium White Meat Fish – Restaurant-style quality
Firm & Chunky Texture – Stays intact while frying or grilling
Mild, Clean Flavor – Loved by kids & families
Versatile Cooking – Works well in desi & continental dishes
High Meat Yield – Thick slices, fewer bones
Fresh & Hygienic Delivery – Cleaned, washed & chilled
Health Benefits of Reef Cod (Daama)
High in Lean Protein – Great for muscle repair & daily nutrition
Low in Fat – Perfect for healthy and light meals
Omega-3 Rich – Supports heart, brain & skin health
Vitamin B12 & D – Boosts immunity & energy levels
Minerals like Selenium & Phosphorus – Helps metabolism & bone strength
Cooking Inspiration
Daama Fish Fry – Crispy outside, juicy inside
Reef Cod Masala Curry – Absorbs spices beautifully
Grilled Reef Cod – Perfect with herbs, butter & lemon
BBQ Cod Steaks – Thick slices grill wonderfully
Baked Daama with Garlic & Olive Oil – Light & flavorful
Pan-Seared Fillets – Restaurant-style in minutes
Pro Tip: Marinate Daama lightly with lemon, salt, garlic, and black pepper before cooking to enhance its natural premium flavor.
Reef Cod (Daama) – FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Reef Cod have a strong smell? | No — it has a very mild and clean aroma. |
| Is Daama good for frying? | Excellent — stays firm and cooks evenly. |
| Is it good for curry? | Yes — absorbs masala beautifully. |
| Can I grill or bake it? | Perfect for grilling, baking, and BBQ. |
| Is it healthy? | Very — high protein, low fat, omega-3 rich. |
| Is it suitable for kids? | Absolutely — soft flavor and fewer bones. |
| Fresh or frozen? | Delivered fresh & chilled; frozen optional. |
| Do you clean and cut the fish? | Yes — whole, sliced, or steak cuts available. |
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