Catfish: photo, description, useful properties and recipes

Many people even today consider catfish a predatory fish. This is due to the presence of its teeth of large size. According to ancient beliefs, the catfish attacked people, and sailors more than once became its victim in the moment of shipwreck. Is it really true? Let's talk about the catfish, let's talk about its features, existing species, the benefits of the fish and its harms.

Catfish: what kind of fish, what they look like, and where they live

The catfish resembles a moray, looks like a snake. It belongs to the perch and is large in size, sometimes the length of such a fish can reach almost 1.6 m. It is not very pretty, you can even say that its appearance is frightening. A huge head, powerful jaws, protruding fangs - that's why fishermen used to be afraid of catfish. If it was caught, its head was dried and placed in their homes to surprise their guests with the outlandish creature.

But that's not exactly how it works. The fearsome jaws of the fish play their part, but they are designed mainly for nibbling shellfish on underwater rocks and stones. This is exactly how the catfish feeds. Its main food is small fish, mollusks, crustaceans and jellyfish. Therefore, it is not surprising that its teeth regularly wear down and deteriorate. In the new season, new teeth appear in place of the fallen out fish.

Catfish has a second name in the people - "sea wolf". But its temperament is calm and even meek. It mostly hides at depth and emerges only when it needs to catch the passing prey. She hunts passively, attacking from cover.

Scuba divers who have been in the depths have witnessed its calm behavior. It did not attack them or touch the small fish that swam nearby, waiting for the remains of its meal. But it is worth noting that at the moment of danger, the fish is ready to set its terrible jaws. At this moment, it is necessary to be wary of it. It is known that with its fangs it can easily bite a log or a thick leather boot.

Habitat

The main habitat is the oceans. You can meet the fish in the North, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. In our country, the catfish is found in the Baltic, North Sea and Barents Sea, and has been spotted near the White Sea. It lives at a depth of about 500 m. Loves slimy or sandy bottom, recesses and cave areas.

Types

There are several species of "sea wolf".

1. Far Eastern. Got its name because of the place of its habitat. This fish is found in Kamchatka, fond of the Chukchi Sea. It has a long body, easily swims among the rocks of archipelagos. Its intimidating appearance resembles that of the moray. Local fishermen have nicknamed this species the dogfish. It is poorly studied, but it is known that it lives at a depth of no more than 15 m, likes rocky and stony ground. It is not a commercial fish; it can only accidentally get caught in the net.
2. Striped. Received the name because of its coloration. Has transverse dark stripes along the entire body. It may reach 1.5 m in length and up to 20 kg in weight.
3. Eel. Large fish more than 2 meters long. Despite this weight is small. Feeding mainly crustaceans, shells and shells that easily bite their fangs.
4. Sandy. Has a second name - the common catfish. This is the most active species of this family.
5. Blue. Received the name because of its color. There are species with colors ranging from gray to bright blue.

What distinguishes the blue catfish from the motley one

First, let's look at the common features of these species:

• have large size, powerful jaws, intimidating fangs;
• both prefer the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean;
• feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, etc;
• They have the same behavior: they like solitude and live in deep water;
• hunt passively, waiting for their prey from hiding;
• have the same taste and nutritional value.

Differences:

1. The blue species is slightly larger than the mottled species.
2. Different Coloration.
3. Blue catfish like depth, they are more active than the mottled, the same spotted prefer sandbanks.
4. The mottled catfish is much more prolific than the blue catfish.
5. The blue catfish has less fat than the mottled catfish.
6. The mottled catfish has more muscle fibers.
7. The meat of the colorful catfish is much more dense and rich, so its price is higher on the market.
8. The blue catfish has more vitamin A.
9. The mottled catfish because of its health and taste properties is more in demand.

Composition and calories

Catfish is a representative of the northern oceans and seas. This has an impact on its taste and fat composition. Scientists have proven that low temperatures allow acids and fats to be stored in the body. And the catfish has enough of them, of which omega-3 should be highlighted. If we talk about protein compounds, in terms of their quantity in the fish, they are not inferior even to the tiger shrimp.

If we compare with such fish as cod, the catfish is more caloric. Per 100 grams of product - 126 kcal, the motley has a little less - 105 kcal. The fish has no carbohydrates, but a sufficient amount of proteins and fats.

Important! Caloric value may vary and depends on the way it is cooked. Fried fish is much more caloric than steamed or boiled.

In the composition of "sea wolf" there are the following useful substances and trace elements:

• magnesium;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• lysine;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• nicotinic acid;
• pyridoxine;
• phosphorus;
• sulfur;
• iodine;
• copper;
• sodium, etc.

It is impossible to list all the useful substances contained in fish in one article. We can say that catfish has almost all elements from the Mendeleev Table. If you consume it regularly, you will not have to spend money on expensive vitamins. The fish will provide all the necessary and important substances, macro- and microelements, which will allow all the systems of the body to function properly.

Of vitamins we should highlight groups B, E, A, C, D, PP.

Worth knowing! The advantage of fish fillets is the easy digestibility of the body.

What is the catfish use

General benefits

Catfish contains a lot of iodine, which is the reason why it is recommended for people with thyroid problems. It has a lot of protein compounds, which are necessary for children, the elderly, pregnant and nursing moms. The omega-3 contained in it lowers cholesterol.

Catfish fillet, due to its content of valuable elements, is recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Catfish has a beneficial effect on the cerebral circulation, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis and plaques, strengthens the immune system.

Thanks to potassium, catfish removes excess salt, relieves edema. Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on blood clotting, strengthens bone and muscle tissues, the nervous system. And vitamin PP prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

Regular consumption of catfish helps:

• for digestive disorders;
• hypertension;
• unstable metabolism in the body;
• ischemia.

Catfish meat is recommended to all people without exception, from children to the elderly. It is especially useful for women during pregnancy and lactation.

Thanks to its composition and low caloric content, the meat of the "sea wolf" can be attributed to the category of diet products. With the help of fish fillets it is not difficult to maintain the efficiency of the body at the right level. Catfish meat maintains muscle tissue and does not allow the fibers to break down, and certainly does not contribute to their reduction. During the catfish diet, weight loss is gradual, due to the gradual elimination of fat layers. And the lack of minerals and other useful substances does not occur.

Worth knowing! Catfish can not fully replace other products. It can only make up for the lack of elements in the body. It is enough to take the meat 2 times in 7 days to reduce the caloric content of the diet per day.

You can use the fillet "sea wolf" during the period of unloading days. But you should not overdo it, it is enough 2 times a week.

For women

Sea wolf fillet is useful for women, especially for those who watch their figure. With its help, you can lose weight or conduct unloading days. It will fill the body with all the necessary minerals, vitamins and trace elements, so there will be no deficit in useful substances during the diet.

In addition, catfish prolongs youthfulness, as it has a beneficial effect on almost all systems of the body. To have fresh skin, healthy hair and nails, you need to include "sea wolf" fillets in your diet.

For men

For the stronger sex, catfish will be no less useful than for women. The protein included in the meat removes toxins and reduces cholesterol, normalizes metabolic processes.

Thanks to vitamin D in the fish, it strengthens bone tissue. Regular consumption of catfish strengthens muscle mass.

When pregnant

Pregnant women will benefit from catfish in moderate quantities. The fish will allow the body to replenish the necessary useful elements, remove excess fluid and reduce swelling.

Regular consumption of sea wolf meat will have a positive effect on the development of the fetus and the health of the woman herself.

When breastfeeding

"Sea wolf is recommended to be included in the diet of women during the lactation period. We cannot say that meat is able to increase or accelerate milk production, but the quality of milk will definitely raise the fish. The baby will be able to obtain at this expense the most useful and valuable substances that are needed for development. And the woman herself will recover faster after childbirth.

For children

Children's body constantly needs vitamins, minerals, micro and macro elements. Therefore, the use of catfish for children will be helpful. In addition, it is proved that fish meat improves memory, has a beneficial effect on brain function. Due to its content of nutrients, the child will strengthen bone and muscle tissue.

Another important point in the inclusion in the diet of a child catfish will be the fact that regular consumption of fish meat strengthens the immune system, improves overall health, saturates the cells and tissues of the body with the necessary substances.

When losing weight

Catfish meat can be classified as a diet product. If the fish is steamed or boiled, the caloric value will be low. Taking into account its usefulness and importance to the body, it is not difficult to lose weight with it. It is clear that the process will not be fast, but the fats will be gone forever from the body.

Is catfish useful for diabetes

Experts recommend diabetics to include catfish in their diet. Sea wolf meat will reduce cholesterol, remove salts, and normalize metabolism in the body. And this is very important in such a disease as diabetes.

It is proven that catfish meat reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and relieves depression.

Catfish with pancreatitis and gastritis

Sea wolf meat is easily digested by the body and does not cause heaviness in the stomach. Patients with gastritis and pancreatitis are recommended to include catfish in their diet. It normalizes metabolic processes in the body, speeds up the metabolism.

Harm and contraindications

Catfish has almost no contraindications. The only disadvantage may be intolerance or tendency to allergies. For example, it should not be consumed by those with hypersensitivity to fish products.

There are also other points:

1. It is better not to include fish in the diet with a reduced protein content in the products.
2. Sometimes doctors do not advise "sea wolf" to children who are not yet 6 years old.
3. There are carcinogens in the fried meat of fish, so you should be careful when eating it.
4. It is not recommended to eat wolf meat to patients suffering from pancreatic diseases and endocrine gland dysfunction.

But also we should not forget about moderation. Abuse always leads to unpredictable consequences. It is enough to cook fish for the family twice every 14 days. And people who suffer from chronic diseases, it is worth first consult your doctor and agree with him on his diet.

How to choose and store

In stores catfish is sold frozen or chilled. In order to prepare an appetizing dish from the fish, it is necessary to observe some points when choosing:

1. Eyes. They should have a light color, be clean and convex. Cloudy "eyes" of the fish and their hollowness indicates that the product is stale. If the fish is sold without a head, and there is no way to determine the freshness of the fish by its eyes, it is better not to buy such a product.
2. Meat. The fillet of fresh catfish is always firm with a pleasant light color. It is better to choose a chilled product, since the frozen fillet may not taste good. Fish can be thawed and frozen repeatedly, which adversely affects its taste.
3. Gills. Fresh "wolffish" have pinkish or red colored gills. They should be mucus-free. If the gills smell bad, have a brown or beige color, the fish is not quite fresh. You should not take such a product.
4. Carcasses. A quality fillet will not be sticky, it should glide. If you press the fresh meat with your hands, it should return to its previous state.
5. Belly. If it is slimy and enlarged, it means that the fish was stored incorrectly, storage rules were violated. Such product should not be taken.
6. Scales. Fresh sea wolf skin is shiny and smooth to the touch, and scales fit tightly to it.

Important! Fish should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than one day. During this time, its flavor does not deteriorate. If the fish is frozen in the freezer, then no more than 2 months.

Catfish has almost no bones, so it is easy to dress and clean.

Storage
Store catfish meat should be in the refrigerator no more than one day. It is better to prepare the fish immediately, so it does not have time to lose their flavor. If it is bought frozen, it can be sent to the freezer and used as needed.

Fillet of "sea wolf" is very useful, so if stored properly, it will not lose its "miraculous" properties. Reasonable consumption of catfish will have a positive effect on human health, saturating the body with the necessary valuable and nutritious elements.

How to cook catfish deliciously: recipes

Sea wolf meat is quite fatty and a little loose. Therefore, in order for it not to fall apart, you should follow a few practical tips:

1. Pieces of fish meat should be large.
2. It is desirable to soak it in salt water with lemon, so that the fibers can strengthen and the meat does not fall apart when frying.
3. It is desirable to fry pieces of meat on a high heat first, and then stew them in a slow simmer so that all the useful elements remain in the fish.
4. It is not necessary to use a large amount of spices, enough pepper and salt.

In the oven

For the preparation we will need:

• catfish steak - several large pieces;
• lemon - 1 pc;
• salt, pepper - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Wash the pieces of fish, but do not peel from the skin, so that the meat does not fall apart.
2. Make small cuts on the steak.
3. Salt, pepper, splash with lemon juice.
4. Wrap prepared slices in foil and put in the oven for half an hour. It is not necessary to cook more than half an hour.
5. The temperature of fish - 180 degrees.

Enjoy the fragrant meat and be healthy!

In a pan

To cook fish, use a cast-iron skillet. We will need:

• "sea wolf" fillets - several large pieces;
• vegetable oil - to grease a pan;
• flour - for deboning fish;
• salt, pepper - at the discretion of the hostess.

Preparation:

1. Grease the bottom of the pan with oil. You need to be more careful with oil. A few drops will be enough to fry "sea wolf".
2. Mix flour and salt and coat the fish pieces in it. Spread them on a frying pan and put on the gas.
3. At first, cook on high heat and fry the pieces on both sides, then reduce the gas, cover the fish and bring it to the readiness. Cooking time - 15 minutes. It is not necessary to heat oil in advance, otherwise the fish will burn.

In the pan in the batter
We will need:

• catfish meat - ½ kg;
• salt, pepper - to taste;
• vegetable oil - for frying;
• lemon - ½ piece.

To prepare the batter:

• egg - 1 pc;
• flour - a couple of tablespoons;
• water - half a glass;
• Vodka - 50 gr.

Preparation:

1. Clean pieces of fish from skin, fins and bones. In this recipe, the pieces of catfish should be small. It will be better if the fish is cut into small pieces.
2. Put the fillets in a separate bowl, pepper and salt.
3. Sprinkle the meat with lemon juice and leave in this state for about 20 minutes, so the fish has time to absorb the spices and lemon juice.
4. Prepare the batter: separate the yolk from the egg, mix it with vodka and water. Add a spoonful of vegetable oil, salt and mix everything thoroughly (beat with a whisk or fork).
5. Whip the rest of the egg white and add it to the batter. Let's mix it.
6. Dip fish pieces in batter and send to fry in a heated frying pan with oil.
7. Pieces fry on both sides, then lay out on paper towel.
8. Let the oil and fat drain, serve.

In multicooker

To cook the meat in the multicooker we will need the following products:

• catfish fillet - several large pieces;
• Rice - half a cup (for cooking it is better to take red rice);
• Onions - 1 medium onion;
• Carrot - 1 medium carrot;
• rosemary - 1 sprig;
• vegetable broth - 1 cup;
• salt, pepper, spices - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Peel meat completely. Remove bones, skin and fins.
2. Cut the onion in half rings and put it in the bottom of the multicooker.
3. Shred the carrots in julienne strips and lay them on top of the onions.
4. On top of the bottom put a sprig of rosemary. You can not use it. It is at the discretion of the hostess.
5. Rice is washed and poured on top of the vegetables.
6. Prepare vegetable broth and pour it over the vegetables and rice, so that they are completely covered with liquid.
7. Then put the fish pieces on top.
8. Salt and pepper it, add spices to taste.
9. Close the lid, put the stew mode for 40 minutes. Will also work as a pilaf.

On the grill

For cooking we need:

• fish meat - 1 kg;
• Onions - 250 grams;
• mayonnaise - 300 grams;
• Vinegar (apple vinegar is better) - 2 tablespoons;
• sugar - 1 teaspoon;
• Mustard, dried garlic, salt, pepper - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut onion in rings.
2. Peel the catfish from the skin, bones and fins.
3. Put fish meat into a separate bowl and put onion rings between them. Pieces of fish should be large.
4. Prepare the marinade: mix mayonnaise and vinegar, add sugar and spices. Salt the sauce and mix everything thoroughly.
5. Pour the ready marinade on the fish and onions. Do not stir the pieces. The meat of the fish is very tender, so do not touch it.
6. Let's put the fish in the fridge for 2 hours.
7. We take out the meat and thread it on skewers.
8. We kindle the grill and fry the fish for 20 minutes, constantly turning skewers.
9. Shashlik of catfish can be served with fried or baked potatoes.

Catfish soup

To prepare the soup we need:

• potatoes - 4 pieces of medium size;
• catfish meat - 5-6 big pieces;
• carrots - 1 medium-sized piece;
• pearl barley - 1 tablespoon;
• bay leaf - 1 leaf;
• salt, pepper - to taste;
• Greens - at the discretion of the hostess.

Preparation:

1. We put water on the fire and bring to a boil, salt, pepper.
2. Pieces of catfish we put into boiling water and cook for half an hour.
3. While the fish is cooking, cut potatoes and carrots into cubes or slices.
4. Take the fish out of the broth and put it in a separate bowl. Clean the meat from the skin, bones, fins.
5. We strain the broth and put it back on the fire.
6. Add to the broth and boil for 10 minutes.
7. We send the rest of the vegetables to the boiling water and continue to cook for another 15 minutes.
8. Shred the greens.
9. Before serving, add fish fillets and greens to the broth.

Interesting facts

1. Catfish live almost 20 years.
2. The fish has powerful jaws that can effortlessly bite a shovel stalk.
3. With its fangs, the catfish plucks animals from the bottom.
4. The fish got its name because of its teeth. Its fangs protrude from the front and resemble a wolf's mouth. Therefore, its second name is "sea wolf".

Catfish photo