Vomer: what kind of fish, where it is found, description, photo, how to cook, benefits and harms

What kind of fish, where is it found, description

Vomer has a bright silver color. It has a flattened body. Actually, that’s why the name sunfish appeared. Vomer belongs to the horse mackerel family. The body of selenium is completely devoid of scales.

Another distinctive feature is a steep, high forehead. Because of this, the body appears to be rectangular. Selena's dorsal fins resemble short spines.

Some adult specimens reach 60 centimeters in length. But fishermen, by and large, are content with specimens whose length is 20-30 centimeters.

This fish lives only in coastal waters. There are 7 species of vomer - three in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, four in the Atlantic Ocean. Vomers from the Atlantic are larger (up to 60 centimeters), in the Pacific Ocean they are slightly smaller (up to 40 centimeters).

This fish can be found in large numbers in the waters of Peru and Ecuador, off the coast of West Africa and Central America.

The sunfish loves sandy and muddy soil. Juveniles prefer desalinated shallow waters and brackish river mouths.

Vomer leads a gregarious lifestyle. The fish are active mainly at night. During the day, the vomer swims up from the bottom and rests. As the sun sets, the fish look for food. Zooplankton and small fish are suitable for food.

As soon as Selenium has offspring, it becomes left to its own devices. Accordingly, the fry must quickly adapt to the environment. Only the strongest individuals that have a good reaction survive. The lifespan of a vomer is 7-10 years.

It is caught on an industrial scale in Peru and Ecuador. Peruvian specimens are most valued for their taste. Selena is also bred in artificial conditions, but in nurseries it does not grow more than 15 cm.

The fish can camouflage well in water due to its special body structure. If the sun's rays penetrate the fish's tissue at a certain angle, it becomes translucent or even completely transparent.

Kinds

Now we can talk about seven varieties of horse mackerel. Four of them live in the Atlantic, three in Pacific waters. The latter are completely devoid of scales, and their fins have a slightly different structure, especially in young fish.

Residents of Atlantic waters are larger than their relatives. All these aquatic inhabitants are called “selenes” - lunar ones, but they should not be combined with the real moon fish, which is called Mola mola.

Let's look at the varieties of selenium (vomer).

• Selene brevoortii is a resident of the Pacific waters, from Mexico to Ecuador. Its dimensions are usually about 38-42 cm. Named in honor of the American naturalist, collector and numismatist J. Carson Brevoort (1817-1887) for his interest in these representatives of the horse mackerel family. It is an object of local fishing.
• The smallest specimen of Selenium is the Caribbean sunfish (Selene brownie). Its average length is about 23-24 cm. It lives in the waters of the Atlantic, from the coast of Mexico to Brazil. Its edibility is unknown, and there is no real trade for it. The name brownie (brown) received for the brown longitudinal stripe on the back and belly.

• African Selena - Selene dorsalis. Settled in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, spreading from the coast of Portugal to southern Africa. Often swims into river mouths and bays. Its size is about 37-40 cm, weight is about 1.5 kg.
• Mexican selenium (Selene orstedii) is distributed along the eastern Pacific coast of America, from Mexico to Colombia. The body size reaches 33 cm. Together with the selena, Brevoort is an exception among other individuals - as they grow older, their elongated fin rays do not reduce (do not shorten).
• Peruvian Selena (Selene peruviana) - the fish can be about 40 cm in size, although most often they grow up to 29 cm. A Pacific inhabitant of the eastern coasts of America, from southern California to Peru.
• Western Atlantic selenium (Selene setapinnis) - distributed along the western Atlantic coasts of America, from Canada to Argentina. It is considered to be the largest of all representatives - it grows up to 60 cm, weighing up to 4.6 kg. This fish can be called metallic; it is very textured. The dorsal fins are lined with a dark edging and look like a steel brush, justifying the name of the species: setapinnis (bristle fin). The tail has a yellow tint. Most often they prefer subtropical waters, their favorite depths are up to 55 m. Although young people prefer dirty and salty bays.

• Selena vomer - common selenium, nominate species. This vomer is found in the western waters of the Atlantic, off the Canadian coast and Uruguay. It reaches a weight of 2.1 kg with a size of 47-48 cm. Although individuals measuring 35 cm in size are more common. The first rays of the dorsal and ventral fins are greatly elongated, but not filiform, but are connected by a fin membrane. Its large frontal bones give the species its name, vomer, “convex frontal bone.” The dye guanine, contained in the skin of the fish and giving it a silvery color, reflects light in such a way that when the rays hit it from the side, it acquires all possible rainbow shades. Her favorite sea depth is up to 60 m.

Benefit

1. It is quite difficult to talk about the benefits of this fish. This criterion directly depends on the method of preparing the vomer.

But we can definitely say that these fish are very tasty and are a delicacy. In order for the product to bring maximum benefits, it is better to bake or grill it. Even someone who is on a diet will not gain many calories.

2. This fish contains calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements. The product is considered a source of important unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3.

They help reduce cholesterol and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

3. The rare Vitamin B12 also contains selenium. It strengthens bone tissue and prevents anemia.

4. Vomer is absorbed very easily, digested in 2-3 hours. The product can be recommended to people who have undergone surgery or are undergoing rehabilitation after a serious illness.

5. The meat of this fish improves the functioning of the digestive system and the activity of the thyroid gland. Regular consumption of selenium reduces the risk of tumor diseases and inflammatory processes.

6. Vomera is especially beneficial for men. Fish reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

7. It is recommended to eat selenium for those whose work involves intellectual activity. Vomer meat increases brain activity. It also improves vision. All these product properties are valuable for office workers.

8. Thanks to this fish you can get rid of extra pounds. In addition, scientists have found that people who often eat this fish have a high life expectancy.

Price

Of course, it is difficult to imagine how one can eat such a curiosity. In addition, you need to know that not all representatives of these fish are edible. However, many fans have appeared, and restaurants are increasingly ordering vomer. Moonfish meat can be dried, fried, smoked, it is interesting in any form.

Its nutritional value is also attractive. It is recognized as a dietary product, as it contains no more than 3% fat. But it contains a lot of useful phosphorus, calcium and protein. And it's delicious. Residents of South Africa, America and the Far East especially like dishes made from selenium.

And in the countries of the former CIS, slices of vomer are happily sold out with beer. It also appeared on the shelves. The non-standard appearance and relative rarity affect the cost of the marine life. On average, 1 kg of frozen fish costs 350 rubles, and 1 kg of smoked fish can be bought for 450 rubles (as of December 2021)

How to cook and taste

Selenium is often consumed as a snack with beer. Fans of this snack prefer to eat dried, dried or smoked vomer. Fried and baked vomer can be found on restaurant menus.

If you fry it, the meat turns out very tender and juicy. Moonfish in batter with herbs will be especially tasty. For those who are watching their figure, you can suggest adding baked fish to the menu. The dish is paired with rice and mashed potatoes.

This fish makes a delicious fish soup. It is not greasy and very healthy. It is cooked according to the classic recipe with the addition of herbs. Dietary dishes include stewed vomer with vegetables.

The dish is so elementary that even a novice cook can do it. Before smoking carcasses, selenium must be salted. This process helps destroy bacteria and parasites.

Salting can be liquid or dry. Liquid pickling is more suitable for cold smoking. Salting time depends on the size of the carcass.

This fish is very popular among residents of South America and Ecuador.

Lifestyle and habitat

Summarizing the description of the species, we can summarize that the vomer lives only in the eastern Pacific waters and on the shelf (mainland shallows) of the Atlantic Ocean. It is best known off the coast of Western Europe and North America.

In addition to appearance, selenium is related to the moon by its nocturnal lifestyle. The fish begins to show active life after sunset. During the day, it hides near reefs or in shelters on the bottom. They live in flocks. In the water column you can see large concentrations of these sea inhabitants; they usually stay closer to the bottom. The fish move beautifully and tightly in a school in search of food.

Vomers have the ability to camouflage. In certain light they take on an almost transparent appearance, becoming invisible in the water. This happens due to the unusual skin and topography of the fish. Texas scientists conducted research by fixing the camera in water on a special tripod.

It turned out that if the fish is located at an angle of 45 degrees to the predator, then it disappears for him, becomes invisible. Young individuals stay in less salty waters close to the shore. They can even enter river mouths, becoming desirable prey for fishermen. More experienced adult fish move away from the shore up to half a kilometer. They love a muddy bottom with plenty of sand; such conditions are comfortable for their existence.

Harm and contraindications

1. The product has virtually no contraindications. True, it should be given with caution to children. It is better to start introducing a new product with small portions and monitor the body’s reaction.

2. It is forbidden to eat salted and smoked products if you have arterial hypertension, kidney and joint diseases. This can dramatically worsen the patient's condition.

3. Fried product should not be included in the menu of people with diseases of the digestive system. This is especially true during the exacerbation phase of illnesses.

4. It is strictly forbidden to consume selenium meat if you have an individual intolerance to the product.

5. Moonfish contains iodine in large quantities; this element stimulates the endocrine system, which can aggravate problems with disorders of this type.

6. Problems may arise if you overeat the product. For example, in this case, dizziness, nausea, and bloating are observed. Therefore, it is better not to eat this fish in volumes of more than 200 grams and more often than 3 times a week.

7. Like any other product, it is better to buy this fish in large stores. Here, the product is guaranteed to pass sanitary control and receive a document confirming its suitability for consumption, and small retail outlets are rarely responsible for the quality of the products.

Catching

Womer fishing is mainly carried out in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But even there they are trying to limit fishing for remarkable fish. You can catch no more than 20-30 tons per year. These beauties are mainly the target of sport fishing. Here it is appropriate to remember that such mackerel stays near the bottom and is active at night.

All sporting events with fishing rods are scheduled for the evening. During the day and morning they fish along the bottom with trawls or seines. The most established fishing is for Peruvian selenium, which usually stays closer to the Ecuadorian coasts.

Fish has recently become fashionable, especially in Eastern Europe, and demand for it has increased significantly. As a result, the number began to decrease sharply. Authorities in many countries periodically impose restrictions on catching.

Seleniums from the Pacific Ocean have a pleasant-tasting, dense and soft meat. They are successfully bred on farms and in special nurseries. To do this, you need: compliance with the temperature regime and the presence of a muddy bottom. As a result of artificial cultivation, the size of the vomer reaches only 15-20 cm.

Natural enemies of vomer

Photo: Vomers, or seleniums

All fish that are larger than selenium prey on them. Vomers have quite serious enemies of large dimensions. Vomers are hunted by killer whales, sharks, whales and other large representatives of the ocean. The most nimble and savvy enemies get flat fish. The harsh underwater life has adapted the vomer to skillfully camouflage itself and move at incredible speed.

Interesting fact: Due to the special type of skin, selenium vulgaris is capable of becoming translucent or completely transparent. This happens at a certain angle of the sun's ray. Scientists have found that the maximum secrecy of a fish is observed in two cases: if you look at it from behind or from the front (at an angle of 45 degrees). Thus, even without nearby reefs, vomer are able to hide and become invisible.

Despite the large number of natural enemies of selenium, the most ruthless and terrible hunter of them is man. Fish are caught for further resale in production. Vomer meat is valued in any form: fried, smoked, dried. The greatest popularity of prepared selenium is observed in the CIS countries and South America. Fresh smoked vomer sells out quickly with beer. Fish meat is lean and contains a large amount of protein. It is safe even for those who adhere to proper nutrition.

To reduce the risk of extermination of womer, many fisheries have started artificially rearing individuals of this species. It is noteworthy that in captivity the life expectancy reaches 10 years, and the main characteristics of the fish (size, weight, body) do not differ from the ocean representatives of the vomeridae. The taste of the meat does not change either. The consistency is also dense, but very soft.

Stewed fish with vegetables

Stewed vomer is also a dietary dish.

Ingredients:

• fish – 1 kg;
• carrots – 300 g;
• onion – 200 g;
• sour cream (low-fat, maximum 20%) – 300 g.

It is better to prepare such a dish in a slow cooker or in a special stewing vessel.

The cooking process is quite simple:

1. Cut the onion into half rings.
2. Grate the carrots on a coarse grater.
3. Cut the fish into small pieces.
4. Add sour cream.
5. Salt and pepper the dish.
6. Start the stewing process.

The cooking process takes 20 – 25 minutes. This dish is so simple that even a novice cook can prepare it.

Vomer fish soup

Among the sea fish, ukha is low-fat, but very tasty. It is cooked according to the classic recipe, with the addition of spices and herbs.

But today we want to offer an unusual Dalmatian vomer soup. It is popular in fish restaurants and is prepared in a rather unusual way.

Ingredients:

• fish – 1 kg (you shouldn’t take less, since the fish is low-fat, the broth won’t be too rich);
• carrots – 150 g;
• potatoes – 4 pcs.;
• onions (onions and green feathers) – 200 g;
• vegetable oil – 50 ml
• dry herbs;
• lemon;
• flour – 100 g;
• salt pepper.

The cooking process takes on average 45 – 50 minutes:

1. Cut the onions into small cubes and start frying over low heat.
2. Once the onion becomes translucent, add flour. This will give your dish a unique flavor without the need for sauce. Frying will take 2 - 3 minutes. Make sure that the flour does not burn, otherwise bitterness will appear.
3. Pour 1.5 liters of filtered water into a saucepan and wait until it boils.
4. Add potatoes and carrots, cut into small cubes or half rings. Many chefs recommend using the julienne style. In this case, the vegetables retain their taste as much as possible and do not become overcooked.
5. After 10 minutes, add the pre-prepared fish. The vomer must have its fins, skin, gills, and tail removed. But it’s better to leave the head.
6. The carcasses should be cooked for an average of 15–20 minutes, constantly collecting foam.
7. Remove the vomer and add only the fish fillet to the broth.
8. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon, add to the soup and cook for 2 - 3 minutes.
9. Afterwards, add finely chopped green onions, herbs and spices.
10. Turn off the stove and cover the soup with a lid to let it steep.

This unusual soup is replete with a variety of flavors, it turns out rich and very unusual.