SPECIES

Dart

Dendrobatidae

Most of the Australian coastline has at least one species of Dart nearby. They generally prefer to patrol beaches, using their slim bodies to dart amongst the breakers in search of food - chiefly worms and small crustaceans. They are often caught as bycatch by both recreational and commercial fishers and as of 2024 are yet to be properly utilised as a table fish.

They are members of the Trevally family and like most Trevallies have broad, thin fillets of clear, sweet flesh that has enough Omega-3 oils to prevent the fillets from drying out. When very fresh they make excellent sashimi, they’re great pan-fried or barbequed and they are one of the better families to hot-smoke. Expect to pay low prices for Dart; they’re plentiful and easy to catch!

DIVE DEEPER

COMMERCIAL NAME

Dart

Method of Capture

Trawl

Region

Northern Australia

Other names

Swallowtail Dart

Scientific Family

Dendrobatidae

Seasonality

Available year-round.

Size

Very small, usually only reaching around 5-10cm long.

Price range

Low priced.

Alternative Species

Other Trevallies, Whitings.

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

SHOPPING TIPS

Sold whole (gilled and gutted). In whole fish look for lustrous, shiny skin, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh sea smell.

STORAGE TIPS

Make sure whole fish is scaled, gilled, gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Lay whole fish in a single layer on a plate and cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze whole fish for up to 6 months, below -18ºC.

COOKING TIPS

They have broad, thin fillets of clear, sweet flesh, and enough Omega-3 oils to prevent them from drying out.

COOKING METHODS

When very fresh they make excellent sashimi, they’re great pan-fried or barbequed and they are one of the better families of fish to hot-smoke due to their high oil content.

Flavour pairings

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

IMPORTS

No.
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© Sydney Fish Market, 2024

Developed with the assistance of grant funds from the Eat More NSW Seafood grant program, led by NSWDPI and NSWSIC.

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