Chilean sea bass is also known as Patagonian or Antarctic toothfish. A lot of people skip this fish on menus when they’re at seafood restaurants because they have no idea what it is. Some people also feel like the name Sea Bass sounds unappetizing so they don’t bother ordering it. That’s why we bring you straight up facts and characteristics about this delectable cod ice fish.
Chilean sea bass facts and characteristics
Here are some amazing facts about Chilean sea bass:
- This high-end fish is quite popular among the elite and is usually found in posh restaurants. So it’s highly unlikely for you to find this fish at your local chain seafood restaurant as it’s a top dollar item.
- Chilean sea bass is a white and flaky fish that has a buttery taste – almost similar to that of cod. When cooked right, it gets a very smooth feel. Sea bass can be cooked in several different ways with limitless spice options. This makes it very easy to cook following different recipes and incorporate into your diet.
- Their color is largely dependent on their developmental stage. The younger ones have a bright orange color and are covered with black dots. Older sea bass has a bluish-black or dark grey color on their back with large black spots. The adult’s bottom side of the body has a whitish color.
- The fish can change color to notify other fish in the group of impending danger. Within a split second, they can easily change from black to light grey, also known as the exposure of white mottling
- Sea bass is believed to live up to 50 years in the wild and can weigh up to 200 pounds or more. Some of the larger ones can be as long as 7.5 ft
- Beside their robust body, they have a large mouth filled with small teeth. This fish is carnivorous and eats a variety of other fish, octopus, and crustaceans. To feed, it opens its large mouth and uses it to collect prey at the bottom of the sea like a vacuum cleaner.
- Its main predators are great white sharks and humans. It’s quite interesting how the sea bass approaches divers and swims near them as if it were investigating them.
- Chilean sea bass spends summer in shallow waters but migrates towards deeper waters during winter
- The fish reaches sexual maturity at 10-12 years. During the mating season, you can easily spot large groups swimming together. This usually happens between June and September.
- Their mode of fertilization is external. The male and female fish release their reproductive cell directly into the water. The female fish can lay up to 60 million eggs which hatch about 24 to 36 hours after they’ve been fertilized.
- The larvae feed on plankton and spend the first month of their life near the surface of the water. After that, they migrate towards the sea bottom and live at a depth of 40-70 ft until they become old enough to survive in deeper waters.
- Their dorsal fin is prominent and notched while the tail is broad and flat
- Its structure enables it to swim very fast; although it can only do so over short distances.
- The only thing you have to be cautious, just like with other types of fish is the mercury levels due to pollution. Also, watch your portions per serving – don’t eat too much if it.
Health benefits of sea bass
You reap so many health benefits from eating Chilean sea bass. These include:
- Rich source of protein
Eating sea bass provides your body with the much-needed proteins to build and repair tissues, make hormones, enzymes, and other important chemicals in the body. Proteins are also an essential building block for the skin, blood, muscles, bones, and cartilage.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Sea bass provides you with plenty of omega-3s necessary for protecting you from heart diseases and managing cardiovascular conditions.
- Vitamin D
The body needs vitamin D for several reasons such as to keep the teeth and bones strong and healthy
Conclusion
Chilean sea bass is really worth it – that’s if you don’t mind digging a little deeper into your pockets. It’s an excellent fish that is very smooth and buttery. Even though it’s not the cheapest fish on the market, we say that it’s totally worth it so you should try it out if you haven’t already done so; you won’t be disappointed.
