Red Snapper Fish | Heera Machli

Red Snapper Fish (Heera Machli)

Red Snapper Fish, locally known as Heera Machli, is one of the most popular sea fish in Pakistan. Known for its firm, white meat and mild flavor, it’s a favorite among Karachi households and restaurants alike. Whether you enjoy grilled whole red snapper, a spicy fried red snapper fish, or baked fillets, this fish delivers a clean, satisfying taste every time.

At FreshCuts.pk, our Heera Machli is fresh from the Arabian Sea, sourced directly through Karachi Fish Harbour and processed under strict hygiene for natural freshness and flavor.

Flavor Profile

Red Snapper offers a mild, slightly sweet taste with firm, flaky white flesh that holds well to grilling or frying. Its clean flavor makes it perfect for Pakistani-style masala fry, BBQ, or grilled whole preparations. Karachi families often enjoy it for its low oil absorption and versatile cooking uses.

Name and Identification

English Name: Red Snapper
Local Name: Heera Machli (ہیرا مچھلی)
Scientific Name: Lutjanus campechanus
Type: Sea Fish
Family: Lutjanidae

Habitat

Heera Machli thrives in warm coastal waters and is commonly found in Pakistan’s Arabian Sea. It prefers rocky reefs and coastal areas with moderate depth.
In Pakistan, Heera Machli habitat extends along the Sindh and Balochistan coastline, where it feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans, giving it its distinct ocean flavor.

Catching & Farming Method

Red Snapper is a wild, ocean-caught fish, brought fresh from the Karachi and Gwadar coasts. Local fishermen use hook and line or gillnet methods to ensure minimal damage to the fish and sustainable harvesting.

While red snapper fish farming exists globally, in Pakistan most Heera Machli are wild-caught, maintaining their natural flavor and firm texture.

Physical Attributes

Red Snapper has a bright reddish pink body with a sloped profile and white, firm flesh inside. It has sharp eyes, spiny fins, and smooth scales that shimmer under light — earning it the name Heera Machli (meaning “diamond fish”).

Size and Weight

• Average Weight: 500g – 3kg (whole fish)

• Common Length: 25–70 cm

• Available Forms: Whole, fillet, or sliced

Cutting Preferences

At FreshCuts.pk, Red Snapper is available in multiple cuts based on your cooking preference:

• Whole Cleaned: For baking or grilled whole red snapper

• Headless & Gutted: For easy frying or curry

• Fillet Cuts: Boneless portions ideal for pan-searing

• Steak Slices: Cross cuts for spicy gravies

Approximate Cutting Yield

• Whole: 100%

• Gutted: 80%

• Headless & Gutted: 65%

• Fillets: 50%

Health Benefits 🩺

🐟 High in Protein – Strengthens muscles and supports body repair
💪 Low in Fat – Ideal for balanced diets and healthy eating
🧠 Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Help support heart and brain health
🦴 Calcium & Vitamin D – Support bones and joints
🍽️ Low-Calorie Option – Only about 128 calories in red snapper fish per 100g

Know about more nutrients in red snapper in this article here

Red snapper nutrition facts show it’s rich in selenium, potassium, and vitamin B12 — making it a healthy seafood choice for everyday meals.

Fried red snapper calories average around 220–250 per 100g depending on oil use, while grilled versions are lower in fat and calories.

FAQs — Red Snapper (Heera Machli) in Pakistan

Q1: What is Heera Machli in English?
Heera Machli in English is called Red Snapper, a popular sea fish known for its mild flavor and firm white meat.

Q2: Where is Heera Machli found in Pakistan?
It’s mainly found in Pakistan’s Arabian Sea, especially near Karachi and Gwadar.

Q3: Is Red Snapper healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and Omega-3s. Red snapper health benefits include improved heart, joint, and immune health.

Q4: Does Red Snapper have bones?
Yes, red snapper bones are firm but easy to remove, especially in fillet cuts.

Q5: How many calories are in red snapper fish?
Raw fish has about 128 calories per 100g, while fried whole red snapper can have around 220–250 calories per 100g.

Q6: Can I buy red snapper online in Karachi?
Yes. You can buy Red Snapper online at FreshCuts.pk, with same-day seafood delivery in Karachi.

Q7: Is it suitable for grilling or frying?
Absolutely — Red Snapper is excellent for both fried and grilled preparations because of its firm texture.