SPECIES

Flutemouth

Fistulariidae

Flutemouths are excellent predators, in possession of one of the ocean’s most specialised body shapes. As narrow as an arrow, a unique sensory organ trailing their tail allows Flutemouths to live in a constant state of awareness. At the front, their elongated, webbed mouth ands with a grabbing pair of lips. The Flutemouth will hunt prey, typically baitfish, until they are able to get into their blind spot. A strike involves expanding the long cylinder of a mouth in order to create a vacuum that sucks the fish in. This efficiency has allowed them to spread to almost everywhere in Australia, with more showing up to market each season.

The eating quality is excellent. The meat is uncommonly sweet and can be cooked in a variety of methods. Of note is Josh Niland’s approach: the only quality the Flutemouth lacks is fat, and Mr Niland balances this by removing the head of the fish, cleaning the gut cavity without damaging it, and stuffing this long section with a fatty pork mince. The fish is then grilled whole. Unquestionably brilliant, yet achievable by the home cook.

DIVE DEEPER

COMMERCIAL NAME

Flutemouth

Method of Capture

Trawl

Region

All regions

Other names

Cornetfish, Cornet Fish, Bluespotted Cornetfish

Scientific Family

Fistulariidae

Seasonality

Available year-round.

Size

Grow to a maximum length of 170cm.

Price range

Low priced.

Alternative Species

Whiting.

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

SHOPPING TIPS

You won't see these very often in an average fishmonger, but if you do, it'll likely be whole. Look for undamaged, lustrous skin, and an intact body.

STORAGE TIPS

Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC.

COOKING TIPS

The eating quality of Flutemouth is excellent. The meat is uncommonly sweet and can be cooked in a variety of methods.

COOKING METHODS

Steam, bake, poach, pan-fry, or barbecue (wrapped in banana leaves or foil).

Flavour pairings

Chilli, chives, coconut milk, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, green onions, lemongrass, mirin, shallots, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce.

IMPORTS

None.

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INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

5 Deep-Sea Fish To Try Before You Die

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar (what is looks like pre flip)

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

5 Deep-Sea Fish To Try Before You Die

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar (what is looks like pre flip)

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

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