Lady Fish (Bhambore)

Introduction

Silver Sillago — known locally as Bhambore or Ladyfish — is a slim, silvery coastal species prized for its delicate, flaky white meat and unrivaled crispiness when shallow-fried. Though modest in size, it delivers an exceptionally pleasant crunch due to its chewable bones and refined texture. Perfect for snack-style meals or light entrees, Bhambore stands out as a clean-tasting and accessible seafood choice at an excellent value.
At Gwadarseafood, we partner with local fishermen to source this fish fresh from the Arabian Sea’s estuaries and beaches. Processed the same day, our Bhambore is cleaned and cut hygienically to your specifications—so you get local flavor and effortless preparation, every time.

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Why Silver Sillago Is Worth a Try

• Exceptionally crispy when shallow-fried—chewable, tasty bones

• Light, mildly sweet flavor suitable for all palates

• Delicate, moist white flesh that flakes beautifully

• Affordable and abundant—perfect for everyday cooking

• High in protein and easy to digest

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Names & Taxonomy

• Common Name: Silver Sillago, Ladyfish, Northern Whiting

• Local Name: Bhambore, Shoor, Lady Fish

• Scientific Name: Sillago sihama – Northern Whiting of the Sillaginidae family

• Family: Sillaginidae

• Order: Spariformes (formerly Perciformes)

• Class: Actinopterygii; Phylum: Chordata

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Sourcing & Catching Method

Wild-caught in the coastal and estuarine waters of Sindh (and Balochistan), including beaches, sandbars, creeks, and estuaries—Sillago sihama thrives in shallow brackish to saltwater up to ~60 m deep. Local fishermen harvest Bhambore using bottom trawls, gillnets, and cast nets, ensuring high catch quality. We process each fish the same day without any chemical dips or extended freezing.

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Physical Traits & Texture

Silver Sillago has an elongated, slightly compressed, silvery-grey body that averages 50–150 g per fish, sometimes reaching up to ~30 cm length. The skin is smooth and shiny, and the flesh is white, lean, and flaky. Bite-sized bones remain soft after frying — perfect for crispy street-style dishes

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Size Options

• Typically 50 – 150 g per fish—ideal for single-serve cooks or for batch frying

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Cutting Options & Yields

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Cooking Ideas – Crispy, Local & Flavorful

Bhambore shines in Karachi-style seafood dishes:

• Tawa‑fried Ladyfish – marinated with red chili, garlic, turmeric

• Whole shallow fry – golden, crispy exterior with tender inside

• Light curry – small bhambore simmered gently in tomato-onion gravy

• Fish pakoras – sliced pieces in chickpea batter, deep-fried crispy

Its bones become pleasantly chewable when fried, adding to the texture experience.

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Tips for Selecting Fresh Silver Sillago

Look for:

• Bright, glittering silver skin and intact scales

• Clear, non-cloudy eyes

• Firm flesh that springs back when pressed

• A clean, mild ocean aroma—not sour or pungent

We guarantee freshness with every order.

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Tips for Storing

• Refrigerate at 0–4 °C; consume within 1–2 days

• Freeze quickly in airtight packaging if not using immediately; lasts up to 1 month

• Avoid thawing and refreezing to maintain taste and texture

• Pre-marinating before freezing (e.g., with lemon and spices) makes fast weekday cooking easy

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Ideal Pairings & Seasonings

Bhambore pairs wonderfully with earthy, bold, or tangy flavors:

• Seasonings: chili powder, garlic paste, lemon juice, light masala

• Sides: steamed rice, tamarind chutney, lemon wedges

• Drinks: salted lassi, mint lemonade, or traditional soda

Its light sweetness pairs well with both spicy and tangy accents.

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Who Should Try Silver Sillago?

• Fans of crispy, snack-style fish

• Home cooks seeking affordable, flavorful seafood

• Families wanting kid-friendly, small-bone fish

• Traditional admirers of Karachi-style frying dishes

• Health-conscious eaters craving lean protein in smaller portions

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Nutrition Highlights (per 100 g cooked)

• Calories: ~90 kcal

• Protein: ~20–21 g

• Total Fat: ~1 g

• Omega‑3: ~0.1–0.3 g

• Minerals/vitamins: calcium ~208 mg, iron ~0.72 mg, selenium ~31 µg, Vitamin A ~113 µg, zinc ~1.4 mg

This fish delivers lean protein, essential nutrients, and heart‑friendly omega‑3s.