Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi)

Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi Fish) — Firm, Mild & Perfect for Frying, Curry & Everyday Cooking

Spotted Sicklefish — popularly known as Jalebi Fish in Pakistan — is a firm, mild-flavored, and budget-friendly seafood choice that fits perfectly into everyday cooking. With its clean taste and balanced texture, Jalebi Fish is ideal for families who want a light fish that works well in both desi and continental recipes.

Its meat is tender yet firm enough to handle frying, curry, baking, and grilling without breaking. Jalebi Fish absorbs masala beautifully, making it great for Karachi-style fish curry, tawa fry, golden fish fry, or lemon-herb fillets. Because of its subtle flavor, it’s a great choice for kids and those who prefer seafood without strong aroma.

Freshly sourced from coastal waters, cleaned properly, and delivered chilled — our Jalebi Fish offers top-quality freshness with excellent value for money.

Similar Fish to Try

If you enjoy the mild, tender taste of Jalebi Fish, you may also like: Mullet (Boi Fish), Tilapia Fillet, Seabream (Safaid Dandia), or Goldline Bream (Kapartan) for similar family-friendly seafood options.

Flavor Profile

Most of the time our customers want it to be skinned and headless, but still on the bone. “Easy to fillet, the flesh is mild flavored and has an almost ‘chickenability’ in regards to how you can cook it.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Sicklefish, Spotted Sicklefish
• Local Name: Jalebi, Jalebi Paplet
• Scientific Name: Drepane punctata

Habitat

Spotted sickle fish is a sea fish that occurs in a variety of inshore habitats, such as sand or mud bottoms, reefs, estuaries, and harbors.

Catching Method

Spotted sickle fish is caught using gillnets, bottom trawls, seines, and bag nets.

Physical Attributes

Spotted sickle fish has scales on the body. The body is oval and strongly compressed. It has a highly protrusible mouth that is forming a downward-pointing tube when protruded; rounded or bluntly wedge-shaped caudal fin; elongate and falciform pectoral fins and large adults with a bump or bony knob on the interorbital region.

Color

Head and body silvery, fins dusky yellow, dorsal and caudal fins darker distally, 2 or 3 longitudinal rows of small dark spots on the soft dorsal fin.

Size

On average, the Sicklefish size range is 300 to 1500 grams per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Sicklefish is preferred for slices with center bone. Small fish are preferred for whole & gutted cutting as they easily fit the pan.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100%
• Gutted: 85%
• Headless and Gutted: 70%
• Slices: 50%
• Boneless: 32%

Why Choose Spotted Sicklefish (Jalebi) from Anbar Fish?

Mild, Clean Taste – Family-friendly and easy to enjoy
Firm, Tender Meat – Stays intact during frying and curry
Low Bones – Easy to eat for all ages
Great for Everyday Meals – Affordable and versatile
Fresh Coastal Catch – Delivered chilled across Karachi

Health Benefits of Jalebi Fish

High in Lean Protein – Supports strength and daily nutrition
Low in Fat & Calories – Perfect for healthy meals
Omega-3 Rich – Helps heart, skin, and brain function
Packed with Vitamin B12 – Boosts energy and nerve health
Contains Selenium & Phosphorus – Good for bones & immunity

Cooking Inspiration

Jalebi Fish Fry – Crispy, golden, and lightly flavored
Spotted Sicklefish Curry – Absorbs masala beautifully
Pan-Seared Jalebi Fish – Quick, healthy, and delicious
Grilled Fish Fillets – Soft, smoky, and aromatic
Tawa Fry Jalebi – Karachi-style favorite

Pro Tip: For best texture, fry Jalebi Fish on medium heat to keep the meat tender.

Jalebi Fish – FAQ