Threadfin Bream Family
[family Polynemidae]

This medium size family of tropical Indo-Pacific fish can most commonly be found in the West Pacific and around Malaysia, extending from the northern coast of Australia up to southern Japan. Some species are found instead in the Indian Ocean from East Africa to Malaysia, while a few species extend across both ranges, in whole or in part. The family gets its name from many species having a thread extending from the top of the tail (length varies). While small (up to about 13 inches), some of these fish are important food fish in the West Pacific region. .

Golden Thread - [Golden threadfin bream, Pla Sai Dang (thai) Nemipterus virgatus]

This small West Pacific fish is commercially important in the East and South China Seas and is common in Asian markets in California. While these fish can grow to a little over 13 inches, the photo specimen was 10-1/2 inches long and weighing 8 ounces. The name comes from a yellow thread extending an inch or so from the top tip of the tail but this will be missing by time the fish is in the market, due to handling while frozen.   Prep & Cooking Details.

Yellowbelly Threadfin Bream - [Bisugo (Filipino); Nemipterus bathybius]

This small West Pacific fish is commercially important in the East and South China Seas and is common in Asian markets in California. While these fish can grow to a nearly 8 inches, the photo specimen, dried, was 7-1/4 inches long. This fish is commonly sold salted and dried in the refrigerated cases of Philippine markets.   Details and Cooking.