There are many different types of fish in world cuisine, and one of the most unusual is congrio. This exotic fish has not only an interesting appearance, but also taste qualities that are valued in cooking. Congrio is known for its meat, which is rich in protein and fatty acids, which make it beneficial for the human body. Let's look at the features of congrio fish, its benefits, and also offer simple recipes for preparing this unusual fish..
What kind of fish is this
Congrio, or shrimp fish, is quite large, reaching a meter in length and weighing about twenty kilograms. The skin is smooth, reddish-pink in color, the scales are not too noticeable. In this case, the entire body is covered with mucus. The body shape is elongated with a noticeable dorsal fin. As a predator, it consumes other aquatic life forms and has strong jaws that resemble those of a catfish. The fish's eyes are small compared to the size of its mouth.
Interestingly, there are ancient legends that tell of warriors eating congrio before battle to gain strength and good luck.
The retina of the eye is formed in such a way as to perceive a wider range of colors, while being brighter than other species of fish. Its eyes are designed in such a way that they are able to detect even the faintest glimpses of light at the dark depths that the fish can reach - up to one kilometer. This allows the congrio to navigate freely even at extreme depths.
Habitat
Congrio is found near the Australian continent, New Zealand and in South American waters, especially along the coastlines of Chile and Brazil. In addition, South Africa is a popular habitat for this fish. This description suggests that the congrio prefers the warm waters of the southern hemisphere; however, it was sometimes found on the coast of Japan, although in much smaller numbers.
The fish lives at medium depths - from several meters to about one kilometer. This gives her the opportunity to diversify her diet and elude predators. This fish is attracted to aggregations of shrimp found in both Pacific and Atlantic waters.
Fun fact! New Zealand fishermen have a custom they observe before they go fishing for congrio.It is generally accepted that if you shout towards the sea at dawn and call for this fish, it will rise from the depths of the ocean and will definitely come to the one who called it.
Features of life
The congrio's ability to reproduce unusually gives it the ability to inhabit a wide range, and its skill as a predator allows it to live in any habitat. These are advantages that compensate for Congrio's slow growth and development. During their lifetime, these fish are capable of growing up to two meters in length. This makes them a formidable fish with a unique way of surviving.
Congrio mainly feeds on molluscs and crustaceans, with king prawns being the most popular, which affects the taste of the meat. However, this fish is a predator that consumes large quantities of small and medium-sized fish.
It is easily found at shallow depths and in dense water environments, which provides more opportunities for successful hunting. Congrio looks for areas with an abundance of shrimp, such as tiger or king shrimp, but is capable of devouring everything that comes into view.
The mucous coating on the congrio's body allows it to squeeze into the narrowest cracks and crevices of the ocean floor, helping in the search for food and protection from large predatory fish. Small mollusks and crustaceans try to hide in these places, but they have no chance of escaping from such an extra-class hunter as the congrio.
Congrio is distinguished by its long life expectancy among underwater fish, which reaches thirty years under favorable conditions. This is mainly due to the small number of predators hunting it, the abundance of high-calorie food in its habitat and some physical characteristics of the species.
Do fish have enemies?
The congrio's body is covered with a layer of black and gray mucus, which gives the fish great maneuverability in the depths of the ocean, as well as the ability to suddenly change its course when necessary. Its speed and maneuverability through the water cannot match that of a tuna, but it is by no means slow.
After all, having a long lifespan means that all such creatures must develop their own ways and strategies to survive in an environment hostile to long-lived species like the congrio. When threatened, they are able to take refuge in rocky crevices. This tactic is effective against large fish, but not against octopuses. The latter delicately and scrupulously explore rocky surfaces, “scooping out” prey. But to cope with congrio, the octopus must be large, with significant body mass.
But in any case, the only victims that he will be able to catch are immature small specimens of congrio, which have just hatched and settled on the bottom, since larger and healthier specimens will not fit into the octopus’s mouth, and besides, they will have enough strength to escape.
Types of Congrio
If you look at pictures of congrio, it will seem that it is a relative of the eel, but in fact this is not the case. Although their fins are similar, the congrio's body is not as flexible or sinuous. Moreover, these two species of fish belong to completely different categories and have practically no common classification characteristics.
Congrio belongs to the Ophidiidae family, which is known for having no or indistinct pelvic fins. In such fish, the tail and dorsal ventral fin usually form a continuous arch. This family consists of four genera, which include fifty genera and two hundred and fifty-eight species.The most popular Congrio are black, red and gold. They differ in body color, as well as in some features related to their fins or physical parameters.
Black Congrio is the most popular type. Red is larger, lives longer and grows to an impressive size, much larger than its other counterparts. Their habitat and behavior also vary.
However, all congrios have a common fin shape that allows them to move in waves and also helps them navigate the depths of oceans and seas with ease.
The fin originates in the back area, continues to the tail and reaches the area of the place on the abdomen, thanks to which female congrios carry out spawning activities. The shape of the jaws allows the fish to consume large amounts of food, almost like a living machine, which contributes to the rapid growth of individuals. The developmental process and feeding behavior are similar to those of catfish, but there is a significant difference, since congrio, as a rule, do not rise to the water surface, as catfish do.
Reproduction
Males tend to be slightly larger than females and brighter in color. During the mating season, congrios search for each other, and the males begin to attract the attention of females in order to be noticed. This usually occurs in areas where nutritious food sources are concentrated, such as near a school of tiger shrimp. Congrios become sexually mature at the age of one year, but they are able to begin breeding earlier.
The eggs are laid in the ocean, where they drift away from their original location and move with the current. This is why this particular species has such a wide range of habitats.After two months, after a slow and even process of development of the fertilized egg, a fully formed new representative of the species hatches. The number of fertilized eggs is quite large, which allows this fish species not only to survive, but also to grow in the population, despite the specific traits and behavioral preferences of the congrio.
Useful and harmful properties
Fish contains healthy fats and proteins that stimulate muscle development. Therefore, if you focus on consuming congrio, you will be more likely to gain weight. Notably, this product is used as a way to prevent cancer.
Fish meat, in addition to its delicious taste, also has valuable nutritional properties that have a beneficial effect on human health. 100 grams of fillet contains about 120 calories and 23 grams of protein, as well as B vitamins, including vitamin B12 and niacin, as well as vitamin D. It also contains micronutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium.
Eating congrio will help fight diseases. Thus, the presence of vitamin B12 will help maintain a healthy nervous system and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In addition, fish contains proteins and is low in fat, making it an ideal product for those watching their weight and health.
Regular consumption of congrio will have a positive effect on human health. However, to do this, you should make sure that the fish you eat is of high quality. Consuming congrio reduces the risk of diabetes, helps in the production of stomach acid, improves liver function and improves mental performance.
However, there is another “side of the coin”. Shrimp fish can cause an allergic reaction in the body, since it is found in different areas, and our body is sometimes not able to cope with new food. Therefore, it is recommended to try shrimp fish in small quantities to determine whether there will be a negative reaction or not.
On top of that, nutritionists usually do not recommend consuming this seafood due to its high protein content. Before consuming shrimp fish, those with medical contraindications should seek the advice of a physician.
The consequences of consuming congrio depend on the amount of meat consumed. It is not recommended to eat too much as it will have a detrimental effect on your health. Moderate consumption of fish will have a positive effect on overall well-being.
The quality of fish is directly related to its potential harm. It is generally believed that those specimens that are caught in their natural habitat are of the highest quality, but even this does not guarantee the safety of the product. Manufacturers often do not separate unhealthy fish from healthy ones, and some raise them in artificial environments with chemical additives to make them grow faster for sale.
Cooking recipes
Congrio fish is known for its lack of bones; all you have to do is remove the spinal column from the body to obtain the fillet. The fish meat is tender and nutritious, with a light pink tint, full of proteins and almost free of fats and carbohydrates.It is prepared in several ways, such as fried, boiled, stewed or baked. Every chef has his own method when it comes to preparing this type of fish.
The most popular cooking recipe calls for pre-cooked meat to be cut into pieces, placed in a baking dish, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then baked with mixed vegetables and a creamy sauce. The meat is cooked at a temperature of 200 degrees for half an hour. However, the vegetables used in the dish vary depending on preference. But traditionally, onions, carrots and either tomatoes or tomato paste are used.
Interesting Facts
Congrio is often found in the cooking of a wide variety of peoples and cultures. In Japan, it was used by samurai to help them quickly restore strength and vitality, and now this aquatic inhabitant is widely known as an ingredient in sashimi.
P. Neruda, a famous Chilean diplomat and poet, composed a cheerful and comical ode to congrio fish broth. He depicted in detail the characteristics of the fish and its delicious taste in this dish. His work became a hit among people, thanks to which the name Pablo remained etched in the memory of Chileans. Other literary works also mentioned this fish, but it was Neruda's work that resonated with readers.
