Calories in Fish – Nutrition And Health Benefits

Maitrayee Dey
Written by
Maitrayee Dey

Updated · Jan 06, 2026

Rohan Jambhale
Edited by
Rohan Jambhale

Editor

Calories in Fish – Nutrition And Health Benefits

Introduction

Calories in Fish: The global fish and seafood market is expected to be valued at $624.20 billion in 2023, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.90% between 2023 to 2028. Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. The Calories in fish, as well as nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, provide optimum health benefits to the body.

Statistics say that around the world, 3 billion people consume various types of fish every year, resulting in a 4.73kg average volume per person in 2023. To provide exact nutrients to the body, it is necessary to measure how many calories in fish. We have gathered some information on the same, along with healthy fish recipes as bonus content.

Health Benefits of Fish

  • Fish has a good amount of nutrients
  • It can improve sleep quality
  • It is said that eating fish can stop asthma in children
  • Vision is protected in old age
  • It can reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases
  • Reduces depression
  • Supports brain health
  • Reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks

Types of Healthy Fish to Eat

#1. Arctic Char

Arctic Char

(Source: pinterest.com)

Arctic Char has a good amount of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It is a perfect choice for baked dishes and lemon and dill in grilled dishes.

#2. Wild Alaskan Pollock

Wild Alaskan Pollock

(Source: uifsa.ua)

Wild Alaskan Pollock is known for its low-fat and lean protein features. It is a great ingredient for fish tacos.

#3. Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

(Source: pinterest.ca)

Rainbow Trout is a great source of essential vitamins and omega-3. It suits well dishes that are pan-seared with herbs as well as stuffed citrus fruit.

#4. Sardines

Sardines

(Source: steptohealth.com)

Sardines are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3. It is a well-suited ingredient for pasta dishes, salads, or on toast.

#5. Striped Bass

Striped Bass

(Source: fishmountstore.com)

Packed with a good amount of potassium and protein, Striped bass is a great choice for grilled or broiled dishes.

#6. Perch

Perch

(Source: barnegatbaypartnership.com)

Perch is known for its low-fat as well as its high-protein features. It tastes better when served with lemon butter sauce.

#7. Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-Mahi

(Source: bluejuicecharters.rezdy.com)

Mahi-mahi is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, and protein. It better suits dishes that include fish tacos or tropical fruit.

#8. Mackerel

Mackerel

(Source: bradleysfish.com)

Packed with vitamin D as well as omega-3s, this fish is a good fit for grilled and spicy seasoning dishes.

#9. Alaskan Salmon

Alaskan Salmon

(Source: edition.cnn.com)

Rich in protein and Omega-3, Alaskan Salmon can be used for a tangy marinade along with grilling.

#10. Cod

Cod

(Source: sites.google.com)

Loaded with vitamin B-12 and lean protein, it is well for dishes such as garlic butter or lemon-caper sauce that are pan-seared.

#11. Herring

Herring

(Source: top-10-food.com)

Herring is packed with Vitamin D and omega-3 and is a great choice for salads, pickled, or smoked.

#12. Tuna

Tuna

(Source: invest-in.albania.org)

Tuna fish is rich in omega-3s and protein as well. It can be used for salads, sushi, or grilled steaks.

Calories in Fish Per Serving

Fish type Serving ratio Total Calories
Anchovy 3 oz. (85g) 111 calories
Bluefish 1 fillet (117g) 186 calories
Bream 1 serving (125g) 169 calories
Butterfish 1 fillet (25g) 47 calories
Calamari 1 piece (12g) 21 calories
Carp 1 fillet (170g) 275 calories
Caviar 1 tbsp (16g) 42 calories
Clam 3 oz. (85 g) 126 calories
Cod 1 fillet (180g) 189 calories
Crawfish 1 crawfish (12g) 10 calories
Crayfish 3 oz. (85g) 74 calories
Eel 1 oz. (28.4g) 66 calories
Flounder 1 fillet (127g) 109 calories
Grouper 1 fillet (202g) 238 calories
Haddock 1 fillet (150g) 135 calories
Hake 1 fillet (113g) 80 calories
Halibut ½ fillet (200g) 222 calories
Herring 1 fillet (143g) 290 calories
Hoki 1 serving (70g) 85 calories
Kipper 1 fillet (40g) 87 calories
Ling 1 fillet (151g) 165 calories
Lobster 1 lobster (150g) 134 calories
Mackerel 1 fillet (88g) 231 calories
Milkfish 3 oz. (85g) 162 calories
Monkfish 3 oz. (85g) 82 calories
Mullet  1 fillet (93g) 140 calories
Mussel 3 oz. (85g) 146 calories
Octopus 3 oz. (85g) 139 calories
Pickerel 1 fillet (127g) 141 calories
Pickled herring 1 cup (140g) 367 calories
Pike ½ fillet (155g) 175 calories
Plaice 1 serving (100g) 91 calories
Pollack ½ fillet (151g) 168 calories
Red Snapper 1 fillet (170g) 218 calories
Redfish 1 serving (57g) 54 calories
Rollmops 1 rollmop (65g) 111 calories
Salmon ½ fillet (178g) 367 calories
Sardines 1 cup (149g) 310 calories
Scallops 1 scallop (10g) 11 calories
Scampi 1 scampi (10g) 8 calories
Sea Bass 1 fillet (124g) 154 calories
Shad 1 fillet (144g) 363 calories
Shark 3 oz (85g) 111 calories
Smelt 3 oz. (85g) 105 calories
Sole 1 fillet (127g) 109 calories
Squid 1 oz. (28.4g) 26 calories
Sturgeon 1 cup (136g) 184 calories
Sushi 1 piece (26g) 39 calories
Swordfish 1 piece (106 calories) 182 calories
Triggerfish 1 oz. (28.4g) 26 calories
Trout 1 fillet (62 calories) 118 calories
Tuna ½ fillet (154 calories) 203 calories
Tuna Salad 1 cup (205 g) 383 calories
Turbot ½ fillet (159g) 194 calories
Wahoo 1 serving (100g) 167 calories
Whitefish 1 fillet (154g) 265 calories
Whiting 1 fillet (72 g) 84 calories
Zander 1 fillet (62g) 52 calories

Source of Calories in Fish

Calories in fish consist of fat 19%, Carbohydrates 0%, and Protein 81%.

(Source: nutritionix.com)

Nutritional Information on Fish

Canned fish for 2-oz Serving

Fats (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g) Calories
Tuna Fish in Water 1.68 13.38 73
Tuna Fish in Oil 4.68 15.03 105
Pink Salmon 2.74 13.09 77
Sardines in Oil 6.49 13.96 118
Mackerel 3.57 13.15 88

(Source: fatsecret.com)

By Cooking variations (1 fillet serving)

Fats (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g) Calories
Baked Breaded or battered fish 12.35 11.51 26.10 268
Baked or broiled fish 3.89 0.37 24.79 142
Fried Battered fish 15.24 8.99 22.41 267
Fish floured or breaded fish 14.09 11.05 25.57 285
Grilled fish 1.33 0.31 25.53 123
Steamed Fish 3.28 29.76 157

(Source: fatsecret.com)

Other

Fats (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g) Calories
1 stick fried floured or breaded fish stick patty/fillet 1.90 1.40 3.51 38
1 piece Swordfish 5.45 26.93 165
1 piece smoked salmon 0.86 3.66 23

(Source: fatsecret.com)

By popular fish fillets

Fats (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g) Calories
Atlantic Cod 1.55 41.14 189
Atlantic Mackerel 15.56 20.83 230
Catfish 12.07 24.72 215
Flounder 5.51 0.53 28.60 173
Haddock 5.71 0.74 34.00 197
Mahi Mahi 0.82 21.76 100
Perch 1.89 0.20 10.87 64
Pike 4.65 0.52 28.56 164
Rainbow Trout 4.27 16.49 109
Snapper 2.92 44.71 218
Striped Mullet 4.51 23.03 139
Tilapia 3.77 0.39 21.73 128
Trout 6.24 0.31 15.81 124
Whitefish 11.60 37.80 265

(Source: fatsecret.com)

Easy and Healthy Fish Recipes for Weight Loss

#1. Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

(Source: alicaspepperpot.com)

Ingredients: Green onion, sesame seeds, sriracha, 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 broccoli crowns, 1 lb. shrimp fresh or frozen, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar.

Instructions

Cut the broccoli into small florets. Shell the shrimp, whether fresh or frozen. Take a small bowl and mix the soy sauce, ginger oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Once completely mixed, add shrimp and broccoli. Cover the bowl and put it on high pressure (pressure cook or manual) for 1 minute. Once done, immediately let go of the pressure. Serve the shrimp and broccoli with rice, sesame seeds, sliced green onion, and sriracha.

#2. Fish Taco Bowls

Fish Taco Bowls

(Source: chunkychef.com)

Ingredients:

(For Cauliflower rice)

2 tbsp coconut milk, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 large cauliflower head, cored and finely chopped.

(For mango salsa)

Juice of ½ lime, 1 ripe diced mango, ¼ tbsp sea salt and ¼ tbsp olive oil

(For Slaw)

¼ tbsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ head of cabbage thinly sliced, 2 medium carrots, ½ tbsp white wine vinegar

(For fish)

Salt and pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 medium salmon fillets, ¼ tbsp cumin, ¼ tbsp garlic powder

(For guacamole)

Sea salt, juice of ½ lime, 1 ripe avocado, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, ¼ tbsp cumin, and ½ diced small red onion.

Instruction:

To make the salmon:  Take a large skillet, heat the oil on medium heat. Meanwhile, sprinkle cumin, salmon, pepper, and salt on both sides of the salmon. Add the fish to the pan and cook it on both sides.

To make the guacamole: Take a small bowl and mash the avocado, add salt, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and onion. Blend well and keep it aside with plastic wrap.

To make mango salsa: Take another small bowl, add olive oil, lime juice, mango, and salt, mix well, and set aside.

To make cauliflower rice: In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add coconut milk and cauliflower, and sprinkle some pepper and salt. Cook until the cauliflower softens.

Divide every prepared ingredient as shown in the photo and serve.

#3. Spanish Garlic Shrimp

Spanish Garlic Shrimp

(Source: goya.com)

Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, salt to taste, ½ tbsp smoked paprika, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined, ½ tbsp smoked paprika, ¼ tbsp red pepper flakes, 6 cloves thinly sliced garlic.

Instructions:

Preheat the pan and sauté olive oil, garlic, and red pepper on low heat. Once the garlic is done, do not burn it. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika and the salt. Sauté once again until cooked. Once cooked, remove the shrimp to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Conclusion

Eating fish is a healthy habit that could provide your body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Calories in fish depend on how it is cooked. If prepared in a deep-fry way, then it will include more calories than the air-fried method of cooking.

Moreover, other health benefits include optimum brain and eye health, a healthy heart, and stronger immunity. If you still haven’t tried eating fish, go for it once; you will live a healthier life.

FAQ.

How to shop for fish?



While buying a fish, make sure that its eyes do not have any whitish layer, the tail and gills should appear fresh, the colour is bright enough, it should have no discoloration of the flesh. And it should have a mild slippery texture.

How to store fish at home?



The best way to store a fish is to refrigerate it. But before doing so, wash it with cold water, dry it using a clean paper towel or clean cloth. Then wrap it with aluminium foil, waxed paper or plastic wrap. Put it in the refrigerator and cover it with ice. A fish can be stored fresh upto 2 days.

What nutrients does fish have?



Fish has a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, low fat high quality protein, minerals such as iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin).

Which is the healthiest fish to consume?



Herring, Atlantic Mackerel, Sardines (wild-caught/ canned), Salmon (wild-caught/ canned) and rainbow trout are some types of healthiest fish to consume.

Maitrayee Dey
Maitrayee Dey

Maitrayee, after completing her graduation in Electrical Engineering, transitioned into the world of writing following a series of technical roles. She specializes in technology and Artificial Intelligence, bringing her experience as an Academic Research Analyst and Freelance Writer, with a focus on education and healthcare under the Australian system. From an early age, writing and painting have been her passions, leading her to pursue a full-time career in writing. In addition to her professional endeavors, Maitrayee also manages a YouTube channel dedicated to cooking.

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