With their long, skinny bodies and sharp teeth, ribbon fish look more like alien creatures than dinner But are these strange-looking fish actually good eating?
Ribbon fish also called cutlassfish are long, eel-like fish found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. Their narrow bodies reach up to 6 feet long, with a tall dorsal fin running the length of their backs. Their most distinctive feature is the long, sharp teeth protruding from their mouths – perfect for snagging small fish and squid.
While their appearance may be frightening, ribbon fish meat is actually quite tasty. Their firm white flesh has a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of cod or flounder. Ribbon fish can be cooked in many ways and make a unique, conversation-starting meal.
Here is a complete guide to ribbon fish edibility, including how to catch, prepare, and cook these unusual sea creatures.
What are Ribbon Fish?
Ribbon fish belong to the family Trichiuridae. There are about 50 species, including:
- Atlantic cutlassfish
- Largehead hairtail
- beltfish
- frostfishes
They live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans at depths ranging from surface waters to over 3,000 feet down. Ribbon fish are highly migratory and travel long distances daily following plankton, small fish, and squid.
During the day, they school together deep underwater. At night, they rise toward the surface to feed. Their diverse diet includes:
- Shrimp
- Small fish
- Squid
- Jellyfish
- Crustaceans
Ribbon fish themselves are preyed on by larger fish, sharks, and marine mammals. They use their speed and migration in deep water to avoid predators.
Are Ribbon Fish Good to Eat?
Ribbon fish may look unappealing, but their meat is quite tasty when properly prepared. Here’s an overview of their edibility:
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Mild, sweet flavor – The white flesh has a delicate, mildly sweet taste. It’s less “fishy” than many seafood varieties.
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Firm yet tender texture – Ribbon fish meat is firmer than typical flaky fish but still tender when cooked. It has a pleasant mouthfeel.
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Versatile protein – The fillets work well fried, baked, grilled, or in soups and stews. You can eat them fresh or dried into jerky.
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Low mercury levels – Because they eat small prey rather than other fish, ribbon fish are low in mercury and other contaminants.
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Sustainable population – Ribbon fish species are not overfished. Most have healthy global populations, making them an eco-friendly seafood choice.
So while they aren’t the prettiest catch, ribbon fish are certainly edible. Their high-quality flesh and sustainability make these fish fine table fare.
How to Catch Ribbon Fish
Before cooking ribbon fish, you first have to catch them! Here are some tips for targeting these toothy creatures:
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Best seasons – Ribbon fish are most abundant in spring, summer, and fall in temperate regions. Head offshore during warm months.
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Find depths of 330-660 feet – Ribbon fish spend daylight hours in deeper offshore waters. Fish the thermocline in this depth range.
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Troll with fast-moving lures – Imitate the smaller baitfish ribbonfish prey on with spoons, plugs, spinners, and jigs trolled quickly.
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** Use natural bait on bottom rigs** – Squid and small fish lowered to depths on fish finder or three-way rigs also produce ribbon fish.
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Look for schools on fish finder – Ribbon fish school up so you’ll often see large groups suspended on your fish finder or sonar.
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Night fishing – Dusk and nighttime are prime feeding times when ribbon fish rise toward the surface. Soak bait or drift with lights to attract them.
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Vary depths – Keep moving baits and lures up and down until you locate where ribbon fish are holding each trip.
While not easy fish for beginners, experienced anglers who put in the time can consistently catch tasty ribbon fish. They make an unusual change of pace from typical catches.
Preparing Ribbon Fish to Eat
Preparing ribbon fish to eat takes a little extra care due to their sharp teeth and many small bones. Follow these steps:
Bleeding
- Cut the gills or use a knife to bleed live fish immediately after catching them. This removes blood from the flesh.
Fillet
- Lay fish flat and make cuts behind the head down behind the dorsal fin on both sides.
- Run knife along backbone to cut fillets off in one long strip, cutting close to the bones.
- Trim fillets by removing the thin belly flap and red meat along the center where pinbones are.
Remove Bones
- Run your fingers along fillets to find any residual bones. Pull them out with pliers.
- Smaller pinbones will dissolve during cooking so you don’t need to remove every one.
Portion
- Cut fillets into serving pieces, about 4-6 inches long.
- You can also cut into nuggets for fish fries or leave whole for grilling.
Take precautions when handling ribbon fish. Watch the sharp teeth and wear gloves when needed.
How to Cook Ribbon Fish
The firm yet tender ribbon fish meat lends itself well to almost any cooking method. Try these easy preparation ideas:
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Fry – Coat in flour or batter and fry fillet pieces or nuggets until golden brown and flaky inside.
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Bake – Brush fillets with oil or butter and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes until fish flakes easily.
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Grill – Quickly grill over high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side. Baste with lemon-butter or blackening seasoning.
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Broil – For easy cleanup, broil fillets in the oven 4-5 minutes per side. Top with parsley and lemon.
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Smoke – Smoked ribbon fish has a wonderful texture and flavor. Hot smoke for best results.
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Soup – Add chunks of ribbon fish to seafood stews, chowders, and Asian soups. Gentle simmering tenderizes the meat.
The fillets also work well in fish tacos, seafood salad, ceviche, sandwiches, and rice or noodle bowls. Accompany with bold flavors and seasonings that complement the mild fish.
Ribbon Fish Fishing FAQ
If you’re new to targeting ribbon fish, here are answers to some common questions:
What is the best bait for ribbon fish?
Small baitfish like sardines, anchovies, and menhaden work well. Squid and even shrimp can also tempt ribbon fish to bite.
What is the best time to catch ribbon fish?
Target ribbon fish at night or in early morning when they move into shallower feeding depths. Afternoons also work once you locate their schooling zones.
Where are ribbon fish found?
In the Western Atlantic, look for ribbon fish around the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, and Southern Atlantic coast. Other prime spots include Australia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Mediterranean.
What do ribbon fish eat?
Mainly small pelagic fish, crustaceans like shrimp, and squid. Their diverse palate includes jellyfish and even zooplankton.
Are ribbon fish good bait?
Yes, live ribbon fish or cut bait work well for grouper, snapper, sharks, tuna, and other larger gamefish that eat smaller bait varieties.
Conclusion
While ribbon fish are bizarre-looking creatures, they provide excellent eating with a sweet, mild flavor when properly prepared and cooked. Follow the techniques here to find, catch, fillet, and serve up these unusual fish for a unique seafood experience. Just watch out for those sharp teeth!
