Oily fish are fish that contain at least 10% fat, most of which are the healthier omega-3 oils. In Australia, the oiliest fish include: canned salmon and sardines, some varieties of canned tuna, salmon, gemfish, blue-eye trevalla, blue mackerel, oysters and arrow squid.
Worst: King Mackerel
But king mackerel -- especially ones caught in the Pacific Ocean -- are high in mercury. Doctors say young children and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid them completely.
Choose fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury such as salmon, trout, tilapia, cod, sole, sardines, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. For the most health benefits, choose fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines. o These fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish that contain high levels of mercury include shark, ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food.
All fish contain some methyl-mercury, but most fish in Australian waters have very low mercury levels. Mercury content is not reduced by processing techniques such as canning, freezing or cooking.
Packed with nutrients for a healthier you
With half the calories of salmon, Barramundi is still packed with Omega-3 fatty acids (known to promote both brain and cardiovascular health) and boasts 21 grams of lean protein in a four-ounce serving.
Salmon, Wild-Caught (including canned)
Wild-caught salmon is low in contaminants, including mercury and lead. And some salmon, like pink and sockeye, from well-managed fisheries worldwide (particularly in Alaska), also tick the box for being lower in mercury and lead.
Which fish have a mild flavour/don't taste fishy? White-fleshed fish generally have a milder flavour than dark-fleshed fish. Ling, for example, is a good option for kids as it has a mild flavour and very few bones. Other mild-flavoured fish include leatherjacket, flathead, whiting, flounder, sole and dory.
Cod. Cod is often considered one of the best white fish and commonly featured in recipes like fish and chips due to its dense, flaky texture.
Healthy Heart and Brain
Our bodies don't produce omega-3 fatty acids so we must get them through the food we eat. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in every kind of fish, but are especially high in fatty fish. Some good choices are salmon, trout, sardines, herring, canned mackerel, canned light tuna, and oysters.
Barramundi packs half the calories of other world-renowned fish like salmon. It packs an extraordinary amount of protein while still offering proper nutritional value. One of the most important is that it is rich in Omega-3, offering such health benefits as: Improving mental health by fighting symptoms of depression.
White fish has at least as much protein as meat but much less fat. Good choices include King George whiting, flathead and snapper. Plus: It's official – all Australian fish species have now been analysed and every variety has enough omega-3s to be a 'good source'.
Barramundi is High in Key Nutrients
In order to meet the recommended omega-3 requirements for a healthy heart and brain power, eat Aussie barra at least once or twice a week.
Barramundi's clean, buttery flavor and hearty texture appeals to just about everyone — even non-fish lovers.
Also known as Asian sea bass, sustainable sea bass or giant perch, a 5-ounce portion of barramundi has 137 calories (half that of salmon), 2½ grams total fat, negligible saturated fat and 76 milligrams of cholesterol. It's also an excellent source of high-quality protein.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that to consume those higher amounts, children should only be fed fish from the “Best Choices” list that are even lower in mercury – these fish are anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, catfish, clams, crab, crawfish, flounder, haddock, mullet, oysters, plaice, pollock, salmon, ...
Halibut, grouper, mahi-mahi, albacore tuna and canned tuna fall under the FDA's “good choices” category and should be eaten no more than once a week. Swordfish, orange roughy and bigeye tuna are best avoided, as they contain the highest levels of mercury.
Prawns are a rich source of selenium, one of the most effective antioxidants at maintaining healthy cells. They also contain high levels of Zinc, which is important to develop a healthy immune system. Eating prawns helps build strong bones because they contain phosphorous, copper and magnesium.
Marine fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, broadbill, swordfish, marlin, gemfish, orange roughy (sea perch) and catfish. Freshwater fish in Queensland that may contain higher levels of mercury include Australian bass, Murray cod, eel and golden perch.
Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.