Redfish

Everything you always wanted to know about redfish

Redfish

Everything you always wanted to know about redfish

TYPE: Sebastes norvegicus

BEST CATCH: Spring and summer months

RELATED SPECIES: various perch species, such as grouper and black rockfish

PREPARATION: Fry, braise or bake

TASTE:

Redfish, also known as ocean perch or by its scientific name Sebastes norvegicus, is a true classic among North Atlantic edible fish. With its firm, juicy flesh, mild flavor, and bright red skin, it not only stands out visually but also impresses with its versatility in the kitchen.

Redfish belong to the Sebastidae family and—unlike many other edible fish—is a rather stationary dweller of the deep. It is not a fast swimmer, but behaves calmly, almost stoically, and feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and plankton.

What makes redfish so special at first glance is its vibrant red-orange coloring—a real eye-catcher at the fish market and later on the plate. Its skin is covered with dense, small scales and feels rather rough. Its striking, large eyes are a typical feature of deep-sea fish—they help it spot prey in dark environments. Its powerful head with clearly visible gill covers and its distinctive dorsal fin also make it unmistakable. Redfish reach an average length of 30 to 50 centimeters, but can grow significantly larger depending on their habitat. Particularly striking: Older fish are often more intensely colored and have very firm, muscular meat that doesn't fall apart when cooked, but retains its structure. A true sign of quality.

Redfish live in the cold, clear waters of the North Atlantic – from Norway through Iceland down to the coast of Canada. It is particularly common around Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Barents Sea region. Unlike many coastal fish, redfish live in the deep sea – usually at depths of 100 to 500 meters, sometimes even down to 1000 meters. There, it stays above rocky bottoms and moves comparatively slowly. Because it can live to a very old age and reproduces late, its populations are particularly vulnerable to overfishing. For this reason, there are strict catch quotas in Europe, and many stocks are regularly scientifically monitored.

At HONEST CATCH, our redfish comes exclusively from controlled, sustainable fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic. We pay attention to stock protection, transparent fishing methods, and gentle processing – for enjoyment with a clear conscience.

Redfish in detail

Redfish

Redfish can live for over 60 years, which is unusual for its size.

Redfish

Redfish can live for over 60 years, which is unusual for its size.

Fun fact:

GIF mit einer weißen Fischgrafik auf blauem Hintergrund, die mehrere rote Luftblasen ausstößt

Unlike many fish, redfish do not lay eggs, but give birth to live young. This process, called ovoviviparity, is rare among marine fish and makes it even more biologically interesting.