Here’s a guide to the types of fish commonly found and consumed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG):
Fish in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
SVG has rich marine biodiversity due to its location in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Fishing is a key part of local diet, culture, and the economy, especially for coastal and island communities.
Popular Edible Fish Species
| Fish Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kingfish (King Mackerel) | Firm, flavorful; grilled or stewed |
| Red Snapper | Mild, flaky white fish; often fried or baked |
| Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish) | Colorful game fish; grilled, curried, or filleted |
| Tuna (Skipjack, Yellowfin) | Eaten fresh or canned; used in fish cakes, stews |
| Wahoo | Long, fast fish; great for grilling |
| Flying Fish | Delicacy; usually fried, often served with spicy sauce |
| Grouper | Large bottom-dweller; popular for stews and soups |
| Snapper (various types) | Black, yellowtail, lane snapper – all common |
| Barracuda | Eaten with caution due to ciguatera risk in larger ones |
| Parrotfish | Colorful reef fish; sometimes eaten grilled or in soups |
| Grunt | Small reef fish; fried or stewed locally |
| Jacks | Fast swimmers, used for smoking or grilling |
| Swordfish | Found offshore; thick steaks for grilling |
| Anchovy & Sardines | Used for seasoning, bait, or dried preparations |
Other Marine Life Consumed
- Conch (Lambi) – tenderized and curried or stewed
- Octopus (locally called “sea cat”) – stewed or grilled
- Squid – fried (calamari), stewed
- Lobster – seasonal delicacy
- Crabs – including land and sea varieties, used in soups and stews
- Sea Urchins – rarely eaten, but known locally
Fishing Methods
- Hand lines, fish pots, spear fishing, and small nets
- Nearshore and reef fishing dominate, but some offshore deep-sea fishing is practiced
- Traditional fishing boats called “pirogues” are common
Where Fish Are Caught
- Reefs and nearshore waters (snapper, parrotfish, grunt)
- Offshore banks (tuna, wahoo, swordfish)
- Shallow bays and coastal mangroves (juvenile fish, crabs)
- Grenadines waters are particularly rich due to coral reefs
Fish in Markets
- Fresh fish is sold in:
- Kingstown Fish Market
- Roadside stalls and community markets
- Often sold whole or filleted
- Fish is served with breadfruit, rice, provisions, or dumplings
Environmental Note
- There are conservation efforts to protect:
- Reef fish populations
- Overfished species
- Sea turtles and marine ecosystems
- Closed seasons exist for lobster and conch to ensure sustainability
