Silverfish, Argyrozona argyrozona

Description
Silverfish, Argyrozona argyrozona, are a medium-sized sea bream endemic to South Africa. They are moderately elongated fish, silvery pink in colour with about seven pale blue horizontal stripes. Silverfish form an important component of the commercial line fishery in South Africa. The SA angling record is 4.1 kg and the maximum recorded length is 80 cm.

Origin
Woolworths preferably sources silverfish from the ABALOBI group of fishers that participates in the South African Traditional Line Fishery. Because catches in the line fishery can be inconsistent, Woolworths occasionally sources silverfish taken as incidental bycatch in the MSC-certified hake fisheries in South Africa.

Attributes
The flesh of silverfish is fairly firm, moist and has a mild sweetness and subtle marine taste. Silverfish are a source of lean protein, B-vitamins and minerals such as potassium and selenium.

Cooking 
Butterflied silverfish are delicious on the braai, while pan-fried silverfish fillets are a quick and easy-to-cook meal option. In both cases season lightly with salt and pepper and a few sprigs of thyme. Being a lean fish, silverfish can dry out if overcooked.