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Differences between Dory and Silver Catfish that You Should Know

Vanessa
Vanessa
16 December 2024
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Dory and silver catfish are two popular fish choices for delicious seafood dishes. Did you know that in Indonesia, ‘dory’ is a common commercial term for local silver catfish filets? The actual dory fish is actually a marine fish called John Dory, which is quite rare in local markets. What are the differences between dory and catfish? Find out the complete details in this article.

Table of Contents

Differences between Dory and Silver Catfish

1. Physical characteristics

Dory and silver catfish have different body shapes and colors. Dory are brown and white with distinctive stripes. They have a black spot in the middle of their body as a defense against predators, along with long, sharp fin bones. On the other hand, silver catfish have a grayish-black body with a white belly, smaller fins, and a plumper body compared to the flatter shape of dory fish.

2. Meat texture

Although both types of fish have white flesh, the texture differs. Dory fish have finer, smaller muscle fibers, while silver catfish have larger, coarser fibers. This affects the texture when cooked. Although both types melt in your mouth, dory tend to be firmer compared to silver catfish which are softer.

3. Cooking method

Dory have a signature saltwater aroma, and only need minimal seasoning to maintain their flavor. In contrast, silver catfish may have a slight earthy or muddy note typical of freshwater fish. However, this is not an issue if the silver catfish is fresh and cooked with adequate seasoning.

4. Taste

Dory and silver catfish have different tastes. Dory fish tend to be sweet and savory, making it suitable for fried dishes such as fish and chips. On the other hand, silver catfish are more savory and lack sweetness with a profile that resembles local catfish, making it more suitable for local dishes such as soups, pindang, and gulai.

5. Price and availability

Dory fish are more expensive than silver catfish because they are marine fish and harder to find, making them less readily available in local markets and supermarkets. Silver catfish are more affordable and easier to find as they are widely cultivated in freshwater, making them a popular choice among Indonesian consumers.

Conclusion

Dory and silver catfish are two distinct types of fish. As they live in marine environments, dory fish are less common in Indonesia, while the freshwater silver catfish are more popular and widely consumed in local dishes. Here are their main differences:

Differences between Dory and Silver Catfish

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