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.
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, ...
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Puffer fish are the most poisonous fish in the world.
Making the “do not eat” list are King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish. All fish advisories due to increased mercury levels should be taken seriously. This is especially important for vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and older adults.
Large tuna are considered parasite free and can be purchased raw without being frozen. Certain aquacultured fish, such as salmon, may also be parasite free.
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.
Firm white fish that are caught around Australia and can be used deliciously and successfully in most recipes include: Barramundi, Snapper, Flathead, King George Whiting, Flounder, Dory, Ling, Blue-eye Trevalla, Coral Trout, Bream, Emperors, Morwong and Mahi Mahi.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend at least two serves of (any) fish per week1 in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Species of fish that are long-lived and high on the food chain, such as marlin, tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.
Of the estimated 1,200 venomous fish species on Earth, the stonefish is the most lethal – with enough toxin to kill an adult human in under an hour.
Cod. It's a British classic in meals such as fish & chips, but cod is also one of the healthiest white fish around. Cod is high in protein, low in fat and a good source of vitamin B12, which is needed for energy and nervous system support and may be important in helping prevent depression.
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.
Crustacea (including prawns, lobster and crabs) and molluscs (including oysters and calamari) are not a concern because they generally contain lower levels of mercury and are usually consumed less often than finfish.
Mercury and other pollutants can build up in the bodies of living things, especially larger fish people often eat. Mercury can harm brain development at relatively low levels and can be toxic to adults at high levels. Mercury is found in nearly all fish and is the biggest concern for eating fish.
In most fish, the levels are very low. However, some varieties contain high levels of mercury due to their feeding habits or surrounding environment. Commercially sold fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.
Is barramundi high in mercury? The Better Fish® Barramundi contains no traceable levels of mercury or toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and it's farmed without any antibiotics or chemicals, which makes barramundi very safe to eat.
Wild-caught and farm-raised Barramundi contain different mercury levels due to their very different diets. Methylmercury is primarily a concern in large predatory fish that consume other fish, so large wild-caught barramundi have a higher risk of containing mercury than our farmed barramundi.