Wholesale Reference
Our Fish Varieties
A working reference for wholesale buyers. Each entry follows the same template: habitat and migration, appearance, growth and behaviour, breeding season and preparation.
Habitat / Migration
Black Sea, with winter movement toward the Marmara Sea.
Appearance
Small and slender with a deep blue-green back, bright silver flanks and very fine, easily shed scales.
Growth & Behaviour
Short-lived and fast-growing; feeds in dense schools on plankton.
Breeding Season
Spawns from late spring through summer in warmer surface water.
Preparation
Best flour-dusted and pan-fried, or salted and marinated for meze service.
Habitat / Migration
Migrates between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea with the seasons.
Appearance
Dark diagonal stripes along the back, no visible scales, bluish-green dorsal surface with silvery sides.
Growth & Behaviour
Fast-growing and strongly predatory, hunting small pelagic schools.
Breeding Season
Late May to August; moves into the Black Sea to spawn.
Preparation
Larger grades are cured as lakerda; mid grades are excellent grilled over charcoal.
Size-Based Names
Vanozuup to 20 cm
Gypsy (Çingene)20–30 cm
Bonito (Palamut)31–40 cm
Chestnut (Kestane)40–50 cm
Torik51–60 cm — best for lakerda
Sivri61–65 cm
Altıparmak65–70 cm
Zindan Delen70 cm and above
Habitat / Migration
Aegean and Mediterranean coasts; both wild-caught and farmed stock.
Appearance
Streamlined silver body with a pale belly and a firm, clean white flesh.
Growth & Behaviour
Steady growth in coastal waters; feeds on small fish and crustaceans.
Breeding Season
Winter through early spring in sheltered coastal grounds.
Preparation
Best grilled whole or in fillet; also excellent baked in salt crust.
Habitat / Migration
Warm Mediterranean and Aegean waters.
Appearance
Deep oval body, silver-grey scales and the distinctive golden band between the eyes.
Growth & Behaviour
Moderate growth rate; omnivorous bottom feeder.
Breeding Season
Autumn to early winter.
Preparation
Grilled whole with olive oil and lemon; holds shape well for oven service.
Descriptions in Preparation
The following species are listed in the register; full descriptions and photography are being prepared.
Horse Mackerel
İstavrit · Trachurus trachurus
Bluefish
Lüfer · Pomatomus saltatrix
Young Bluefish (Çinekop)
Çinekop · Pomatomus saltatrix
Young Bluefish (Sarıkanat)
Sarıkanat · Pomatomus saltatrix
Sardine
Sardalya · Sardina pilchardus
Whiting
Mezgit · Merlangius merlangus
Red Mullet
Barbun · Mullus barbatus
Salmon
Somon · Salmo salar
Mackerel
Uskumru · Scomber scombrus
Striped Red Mullet
Tekir · Mullus surmuletus
Turbot
Kalkan · Scophthalmus maximus
Swordfish
Kılıç · Xiphias gladius
Halibut
Pisi · Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Sole
Dil Balığı · Solea solea
Monkfish
Fener Balığı · Lophius piscatorius
Trout
Alabalık · Oncorhynchus mykiss
Garfish
Zargana · Belone belone
Carp
Sazan · Cyprinus carpio