What kind of white fish is this and what does nelma look like, where is it found and what does it eat?

White fish, also known as nelma, is part of the whitefish subfamily and is considered one of the most delicious species. It is not for nothing that it has earned the title of “royal fish” due to its exquisite taste and texture. In historical texts about noble dinners there are often references to the fact that nelma was served on the table. However, to fully understand what kind of fish this is, it is worth learning more about the way of life and beneficial properties of the white fish.

About the fish itself

People living in the area believe that the whitefish got its name from the Belaya River. In earlier times, this type of fish gathered here to breed, but due to water pollution caused by industrialization, catching such a fish was considered very rare. After dams were built on the Volga and Kama rivers, salmon were unable to reach their traditional spawning grounds.

Appearance

This large predatory fish, which usually weighs 15-20 kilograms, has a pike-like shape and is flattened on the sides. Its back is usually a darker color than its belly, which is usually silver. The upper jaw protrudes forward and curves upward, and the body is covered with large scales, the shade of which varies from dark green to light brown, depending on the area in which the fish is found.

Diet

These are predatory creatures whose diet mainly consists of fish such as sprat, roach and gobies. Even one-month-old fry have been found to consume other fish. They can also feed on invertebrates.

However, due to lower standards of sanitary control of ships passing through the Volga-Don Canal at the end of the 20th century, an alien species called Mnemiopsis leidyi was introduced into the Caspian Sea. With no natural predators to control the growth of its population, it quickly reduced the sprat's food source and, accordingly, caused a sharp decline in the number of white fish further down the food chain.

Habitat

Whitefish is a species of fish that spends most of its life in the coastal waters of the sea, and breeds in freshwater rivers, which can be located far inland. The habitat of the white fish is in the northern regions of the Caspian Sea. When the time comes to spawn, the fish are sent up the river to the Volga for a long period. Only a few individuals reach the Ural region.

Until reaching sexual maturity at the age of 5-6 years, this species remains in the seas and enters fresh water only when the spawning period begins.

Spawning and reproduction

The whitefish is unusual in its behavior of spawning during the colder months. As soon as the temperature in the rivers drops to 8°, large groups of fish swim upstream. This usually happens in September or October, and older fish begin their journey first.

In the past, when spawning grounds were located in the upper reaches of the Volga and Kama, it took them up to five months to reach their destination; most of their fat reserves were used up during this laborious journey. Now that a dam has been built on the Volga, nelma can only reach Volgograd. Hatched after just three months, the fry strive to quickly move to the saltier waters of the sea.

Females of this species have a lifespan of about ten years and reproduce only two to three times during the entire period. Currently, the whitefish is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species, and efforts are being made to preserve it through artificial propagation in fish farms.

Varieties

The whitefish is a species of fish that belongs to the subfamily of whitefishes within the salmon family.Its two varieties are the whitefish itself and Stenodus leucichthys nelma, which lives in the northern waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Comparison

Whitefish, butterfish and nelma have similar appearances, so this can sometimes cause confusion. They all belong to the salmon family and have a similar body shape and coloring. All three species are found in Russia. However, they have some differences.

With nelma

Caspian salmon are often called northern whitefish, which makes people think they are the same species. However, this is not entirely accurate, although some scientists propose combining them into one species. It is believed that part of the nelma population moved to the Caspian Sea during the Late Ice Age and adapted to the new environment. The species living there is called the whitefish. But the real salmon remained in its original place and can now be found in the northern waters of the Arctic Ocean.

To distinguish one subspecies from another, simply examine the abdomen of an individual. White fish will have the same even color on the sides and belly, while nelma will have white undersides. white fish are one and a half meters long and can weigh up to fifteen kilograms, while nelma usually exceeds 150 cm in length and weighs on average 30-45 kg.

With butter fish

Sometimes people refer to whitefish as butterfish, mistakenly believing that this is its alternative name. However, in reality these terms are not interchangeable. The first belongs to the salmon family (genus nelma), while the second is a trade name for certain types of fish with a high fat content (up to 25%).

Chemical composition

100 grams of white fish fillet contains the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin B12: 2.0 mcg.
2. Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg.
3. Vitamin D: 6.3 mcg.
4. Niacin: 3.9 mg.
5. Riboflavin: 0.09 mg.
6. Thiamine: 0.06 mg.
7. Folate: 2 mcg.
8. Vitamin A: 10 mcg.

The fillet also contains small amounts of vitamins E, K and C.

It also contains macroelements:

1. Proteins: 18.8 g.
2. Fat: 1.3 g.
3. Carbohydrates: 0 g.
4. Calcium: 8 mg.
5. Magnesium: 25 mg.
6. Sodium: 61 mg.
7. Phosphorus: 194 mg.
8. Potassium: 282 mg.

White fish also contains small amounts of macroelements such as chlorine and sulfur.

Among the microelements it contains:

1. Iron: 0.3 mg.
2. Zinc: 0.7 mg.
3. Copper: 0.03 mg.
4. Manganese: 0.01 mg.
5. Selenium: 18.2 mcg.
6. Iodine: 30 mcg.

In addition, whitefish contains small amounts of trace elements such as chromium, molybdenum and fluorine. However, it is worth noting that the specific content of nutrients may vary slightly depending on where the fish is caught and the conditions under which it is kept.

Replaceable and essential amino acids in fish:

1. Leucine: 1.91 g.
2. Lysine: 2.24 g.
3. Methionine: 0.74 g.
4. Phenylalanine: 0.81 g.
5. Threonine: 0.89 g.
6. Tryptophan: 0.30 g.
7. Valine: 1.23 g.
8. Isoleucine: 1.08 g.
9. Arginine: 1.64 g.
10. Histidine: 0.64 g.
11. Aspartic acid: 2.42 g.
12. Glutamic acid: 3.09 g.
13. Proline: 0.96 g.
14. Serine: 1.01 g.
15. Tyrosine: 0.74 g.
16. Alanine: 1.28 g.
17. Cysteine: 0.31 g.
18. Glycine: 1.07 g.

Nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body on its own, while essential amino acids must be obtained from food. Whitefish is a good source of high quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids to support health and growth.

The calorie content of 100 grams of white fish fillet is approximately 90-110 kcal.However, it is worth considering that calorie content may vary depending on the cooking method, the use of additional ingredients and even the season of fishing.

Beneficial features

The fillet of this fish is a dietary product, as it is easily digested by the human body. It contains many healthy fats, minerals and vitamins. Nutritionists advise consuming it as part of a regular diet to promote overall health and even in some cases for medicinal purposes. The fatty acids contained in fish are useful in various medical diagnoses, especially when there are problems with the thyroid gland.

It is useful to consume nelma if a person suffers from digestive problems. Eating small portions of fillet just once a week (about 50 grams) will help rid the body of toxins and regulate metabolism, which is especially important for those who live in areas with poor air quality. Vitamin PP, which is contained in nelma, works to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol, preventing the formation of plaques and blood clots.

For pregnant women, nelma is useful because it contains important vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the development of the fetus. Including a small portion of this fish in your diet once a week will help with sleep problems or seasonal depression, and may even protect against Alzheimer's disease.Women who often eat nelma dishes slow down the aging process.

Contraindications

In general, this fish is considered safe to eat and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. However, there are some potential contraindications that should be taken into account:

1. People who are allergic or intolerant to fish should avoid eating it. When trying a new food, it is best to eat only a small amount and observe how your body reacts. Individual intolerance to something that is not usually considered an allergen is possible.
2. People with high cholesterol and are overweight should limit their consumption of white fish, as it contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.
3. People with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked food due to the risk of food poisoning caused by bacteria such as salmonella or listeria.
4. Children should not eat smoked salmon until they are five years old because until then their digestive system is not fully developed and cannot handle this food.

Tips for fishermen

The fishing season for this fish begins in April and lasts until the end of November. It is especially tasty before spawning. During spawning, nelma does not feed, so the fat percentage drops to two. Experienced fishermen believe that the best fishing occurs in early autumn, as the fillets become fatter and the fish bite on any bait or bait.

Due to the decline in the population, the white fish was listed in the Red Book, so its fishing in any form is prohibited. However, not so long ago, fishermen ventured into the Caspian basin in the hope of finding a good catch.Even one fish can provide food for several people.

It is caught while fly fishing. These fish usually hold in deeper waters, so floats and bottoms are ideal tools for catching them. Baits such as earthworms, maggots, and bloodworms were also used.

Cooking recipes

There are many delicious ways and recipes for preparing white fish, allowing you not only to prepare a festive dish, but also to preserve all the beneficial properties of the fillet.

Grilled

Grilled white fish with the addition of parsley.

Ingredients:

1. White fish fillet – 4 pieces.
2. Salt - to taste.
3. Pepper - to taste.
4. Olive oil – 2 tablespoons.
5. Fresh parsley - 1/4 cup, chopped.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the grill. If you have a gas grill, heat it to medium heat. If you have a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them heat for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn white and form a hard red bed of ash.
2. Salt and pepper the fish pieces on both sides.
3. Brush the fish with olive oil on both sides.
4. Place the fish on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until done. If the fish pieces are thicker, it may take a little longer to cook.
5. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

In the oven

Ingredients:

1. Whitefish fillet – 4 pieces (about 150 g each).
2. Kvass – 2 glasses.
3. Cucumber pickle – 1 cup.
4. Champignons – 200 g, cut into thin slices.
5. Onion – 1 large, cut into half rings.
6. Salt - to taste.
7. Pepper - to taste.
8. Olive oil – 2 tablespoons.
9. Greenery - for decoration.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
2. Prepare the baking dish.Place the onion slices in the pan, then the chopped mushrooms.
3. Heat kvass and cucumber pickle in a saucepan over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the fish pieces in the baking dish on top of the mushrooms and onions.
5. Pour hot kvass and brine over the fish. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
7. Serve, garnished with greens.

White fish soup

Ingredients:

1. White fish fillet – 500 g.
2. Water – 2 liters.
3. Leek – 1 pc., cut into rings.
4. Onion – 1 piece, diced.
5. Potatoes – 3 pcs., cut into cubes.
6. Carrots – 2 pcs., diced.
7. Peppercorns – 5-6 pcs.
8. Bay leaf – 2 pcs.
9. Salt - to taste.
10. Pepper - to taste.
11. Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons.
12. Greenery - for decoration.

Instructions:

1. Chop the onions and leeks and fry them in vegetable oil in a multicooker pan on the “Saute” or “Fry” mode until golden brown.
2. Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the pan, simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add peppercorns and bay leaves, add 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
4. Place the chopped whitefish fillets in a saucepan with the vegetables and water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste, let the soup brew for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Place the finished fish soup on deep plates and garnish with herbs.

Interesting Facts

Even though the whitefish is named for its white meat, it is classified as a red fish.

In traditional ceremonial songs of Kupala, young unmarried women of marriageable age were called whitefish.

Nelma caviar is even more valuable than fillet; it has a yellowish tint.Unfortunately, it has become almost impossible to purchase due to the fact that fishing is prohibited.

It is important to remember that a nelma carcass will not be cheap. At the beginning of 2022, the record price in Moscow for an uncut carcass was more than two thousand rubles per kilogram.