Ladylius (also known as the red snapper or red sea bream) is a species of saltwater fish that lives in tropical waters along coasts worldwide. The name “ladylius” comes from an old word for ‘snapping’ or ‘tearing’, which refers to the way these fish fight with their teeth when being fed.
As its scientific name suggests, Ladyfish are also usually pinkish-red in color. They’re easy to maintain and are very popular at restaurants because they have milder flavor than other types of seafood. Here we’ll look at what you need to know about this delicious fish.
Facts about ladyfish
Ladyfish live in shallow coastal areas near coral reefs. They prefer warm waters and will often congregate together in large schools. Female ladyfish lay eggs on the ocean floor where the larvae develop into baby fish. Male and female grow up separately before mating. After spawning, they return to the ocean floor to rest until next year’s breeding season.
In addition to living in shallow water, ladyfish also feed primarily on small crustaceans, mollusks, worms and algae. When the weather gets cooler, they move closer to shore.
Where can you find ladyfish
The largest population of ladyfish can be found off the coast of Florida. Other places where you might catch a glimpse of them include the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Caledonia, South Africa, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Yemen. You might even see one swimming around your backyard pool!
Can you eat ladyfish
Yes! There are several varieties of ladyfish including red snapper, red sea breams, and black finned ladyfish. All three are edible, though some people claim they don’t like the taste.
Red snappers tend to be preferred over all others due to their meatiness and firm texture. Many chefs recommend cooking them whole, removing the bones, slicing, sautéing and serving with lemon juice.
How does ladyfish taste
Most people who’ve tried ladyfish say they have a pleasant taste similar to tuna. Its flesh has a creamy, flaky consistency and is relatively tender. It has a subtle scent and strong flavor. Some describe the taste as sweet, while others compare it to oysters. If you’ve never had ladyfish before, give it a try first before trying any recipes below.
If you want to prepare yourself for a new taste experience, you should start with something simple like fried ladyfish. Just follow our step-by-step guide below.
How to cook ladyfish
1. Rinse thoroughly. Remove the head and fins and scrub away any dirt using a stiff brush. Pat dry with paper towels. Weigh the filets to ensure you get enough for two servings.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Use just a little bit of salt since ladyfish are naturally salty. Sprinkle lightly with freshly ground pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the filets for 3 minutes each side or until golden brown.
4. Drain excess oil on kitchen towels. Serve immediately.
Ladyfish recipe
Here’s a great dish you can make with just a few ingredients. This preparation method works well if you want to grill or roast the fish whole instead of cutting it apart.
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh ladyfish fillets
Salt and pepper
Olive Oil
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fillets skin side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil evenly over both sides of the fillet. Season the fish generously with salt and pepper. Roast the fish for approximately 20 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Can you eat ladyfish raw
You may think that eating raw ladyfish sounds disgusting, but you’d be surprised by how tasty it is. Raw ladyfish tastes like a mix between lobster and scallops. Raw ladyfish tastes best when prepared exactly according to steps 1 & 2 above. Just skip the cooking part afterwards.
However, most people agree that the best way to enjoy raw ladyfish is to slice the filets lengthwise into strips followed by warming them upa bit under direct sunlight. This process gives the flesh a more flavorful finish. And if you still aren’t satisfied, you could always add butter or a special sauce.
To learn more about different kinds of fish, check out these awesome articles: can you eat bowfin, blue marlin, dogfish, horseshoe crab, sculpin, sheepshead fish, snakehead, channel catfish and tarpon.
Conclusion
Now you know everything you need to know about ladyfish. From its origin to how to cook it, we covered it all here. Now go forth and explore the world of ladyfish.