What is the difference between golden pomfret and silver pomfret?

Differences in appearance and body shape

There are obvious differences in appearance and size between golden pomfret and silver pomfret. The silver pomfret is silvery white with a black back, while the golden pomfret's back is golden red, transitioning to light yellow and white toward the belly. The length-to-width ratio of golden pomfret is usually between 1.5 and 2 times, while the length-to-width ratio of silver pomfret is less than 1.5 times, making it look more like a diamond. The back of the golden pomfret has thin spines and its overall shape is longer than that of the silver pomfret, which has a smooth back.

Growth environment and breeding issues

Silver pomfret is mainly distributed in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea and other places, and is purely wild-caught. They grow very slowly, usually taking about two years to reach a pound. Silver pomfret is very popular in the market because of its long growth cycle and its resistance to fright.

Golden pomfret has been cultured on a large scale in China since 2003, and the breeding bases are mainly concentrated in the surrounding waters of Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan and other places. Their growth cycle is shorter and the cost of breeding is lower, so the price is relatively cheaper.

Taste and nutritional value

The meat of silver pomfret is delicate and tender, with a fresh and oily taste. It is usually used for steaming. Its meat is delicate and melts in your mouth, leaving you with endless aftertaste.

The meat of golden pomfret is relatively rough and has a woody taste. It is usually used in cooking methods such as pan-frying and braised.

Although the nutritional value of the two is similar, silver pomfret is preferred, mainly because of its better taste.