Learn how to tell the difference between wild and farmed fish. We show you what to look for to determine if a fish has been caught in the wild or if it comes from farmed fish.
Understanding the origin and characteristics of a product is essential to be able to make the right choice. Some of the biggest doubts arise from the properties and differences between wild and farmed fish. Do they differ so much from each other?
Farmed fish products are all edible species of fish, shellfish, and cephalopods from aquaculture farms, where the feeding, health, and reproduction of the animals are controlled. In contrast, wild fish is obtained from nature through fishing. This is what basically determines the differences in their nutritional properties, potential contamination, and other aspects that we review in this article.
What is farmed fish?
According to Royal Decree 1521/1984, of August 1, farmed fish products are each and every one of the edible species of fish, shellfish and cephalopods, marine or freshwater, whole, fractionated or any part thereof from aquaculture farms.
These can be on land or in water (sea, lakes, rivers, etc.) and are, like any other type of farm, facilities where animals are controlled for production so that everything from feeding to their health and reproduction is subject to carefully planned strategies and management.
What is wild fish?
Wild fish, according to the above definition, is fish that does not come from a fish farm, but from nature. These fish are obtained by fishing with rods, trawls, pots traps or any other system from specific places where fish and mollusks live.
What are the differences between wild and farmed fish?
Although it cannot be said that one or the other is better, the truth is that there are differences between a farmed fish and another of the same species and age, but wild.
Nutritional differences between farmed and wild fish
Yes, there are some nutritional differences between farmed fish and wild fish due to the different conditions in which they grow and develop.
- In fatty acids: Wild fish tend to have more omega-3 fatty acids and less omega-6 fatty acids compared to farmed fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain and heart health and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, while too much omega-6 may increase the incidence of certain cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.
- In other nutrients: Just as there is a significant difference in fatty acid composition, studies have found that wild fish tend to be richer in certain nutrients such as iron, zinc, and calcium compared to farmed fish.
Differences in contamination between farmed and wild fish
There is much debate about the contamination that can affect fish. In general terms, unfortunately, almost all wild fish have traces of microplastic in their bodies due to the incredible expansion of this contaminant throughout the world. On the other hand, farmed fish are safer in terms of health control. The latter have greater traceability and less presence of heavy metals and parasites such as anisakis, according to the latest quality studies.
Differences in freezing farmed fish and wild fish
In relation to the above, it is important to highlight that there is also a difference in terms of pre-processing before sale: freezing. Since 2011, the European Union has allowed that farmed fish are not necessarily frozen to be consumed raw or semi-raw in hotels and restaurants. This is because the presence of anisakis is not relevant in this type of animals due to the control they maintain. On the contrary, this continues to be mandatory for wild fish.
Differences in texture and flavour between farmed and wild fish
As with other animals, wild fish often has a firmer texture and more intense flavor compared to farmed fish, which may have a milder texture and flavor due to artificial and controlled feeding.
Differences in cost and availability of farmed and wild fish
In general, wild fish tend to be more expensive than farmed fish due to lower availability and the cost of capture compared to farming. Furthermore, farms allow for controlled access to feed, as well as regulation of exploitation and mitigation of overexploitation of aquaculture resources.
How to tell if a fish is wild or farmed
There are several ways to tell the difference between farmed and wild fish. Some are simpler and more obvious. Others won’t give us the clear answer we’re looking for. Let’s see how we can find out:
- Look at the appearance: Farmed fish are often more uniform in size, shape, and colour than wild fish. This isn’t definitive, of course, but it can give you an idea. They may also have fewer marks and scars than wild fish, which could be more relevant.
- Look at the label: Yes, it’s very obvious, but it probably says it. In many countries, including Spain, farmed fish must be labelled as such to ensure traceability. Also, you can always ask the seller, as they usually know their products firsthand.
- Knowing the fishing season: Like other animals, their cycles vary greatly, as does their availability. If fresh fish is out of season, obviously, it is probably farmed.
- Compare texture and taste: Farmed fish may have a softer, less firm texture than wild fish due to the diet and type of exercise they get in their habitats. It’s a fairly subjective way of knowing, but the difference exists and can be significant.
List of wild fish
The availability of wild fish in Spain can vary greatly depending on the time of year and geographic region. In addition, some of these fish may be harder to find than others, as sustainable fishing is increasingly being promoted, affecting the supply of certain species by allowing them to regenerate. Some of the wild fish that can be purchased in Spain include:
- Bass
- Gilthead
- Sardine
- Mackerel
- Anchovy
- Northern Bonito
- Red tuna
In addition to mollusks such as mussels, octopuses, and others.
List of farmed fish
The list of farmed fish is growing every day. In fact, it is now possible to buy dozens of types of fish from fish farms around the world. Some of the most common species consumed in Spain are:
- Trout
- Salmon
- Turbot
- Bass
- Gilthead
- Corvina
- Tilapia
- Pangasius
- Perch
- Large tent
Now that you know the main differences between wild and farmed fish, you will have a few doubts when you next go to the fishmonger.