When imagining what type of fish Long John Silver’s served at his eatery, you may think about blue fish or salmon. However, there are actually many different varieties of fish that Silver served at his establishment. We’ve put together a list of the most common ones.
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Sole
This type of fish, also known as a pikey or nipper, is often found in fresh water and is associated with lakes and ponds. It has a thin, long body and a long snout that tapers to a point. Sole is a dark brown color on the outside with a yellowish tint on the inside. It has a mild fish flavor with none at all. Since it is a weak fish, it is usually considered a good choice for those who are on a diet or looking for a light meal.
Flour
Also known as “baked fish,” flour is a type of fish that is often associated with African cuisine. It has a soft texture and mild taste that is easily digested by the human body. The name comes from the fact that it is made primarily from flour – usually wheat flour – rather than real fish. While there are many different types of flour fish, the two most popular varieties are cod flour and haddock flour, both of which are usually served fried.
Perch
Often found in lakes, rivers, and ponds, perch is a fish that is characterized by its long slender body and large head. It has a serrated edge on the upper jaw, which it uses to snip off small fish and other aquatic creatures as they swim by. These teeth are referred to as “suction cups” because they allow the fish to “suck in” its food. Due to its slimy, snake-like appearance and its habit of sticking to surfaces when moved or frightened, perch is associated with disgusting and hazardous situations.
Catfish
Also known as “alligator fish” or “crawfish,” catfish is often served whole and head-on. It has a long, thin body with large head and sharp teeth. The slender body makes it ideal for filleting and eating with a fork like a steak. Many varieties of catfish are found in North America, with the most common being the channel catfish. These fish are usually served fried or grilled, and are exceptionally good at absorbing oil when cooked.
Herring
This type of fish, also known as “blue fish,” is often found in the cold waters around Scandinavia. It has a silvery-blue color with hints of mustard and pepper mixed in. It has a firm, oily texture that is excellent for packing into sandwiches or serving on brimming plates. While herring is often considered a healthy fish, it is actually very high in fat and cholesterol.
Shark
Finally, we have the terrifying shark, which is known to be one of the most dangerous fish species. It has a long pointed snout that it uses to sniff out its prey, which typically consists of fish, squid, and other cephalopods (octopus and cuttlefish are examples). Since sharks are predatory fish, they are often prepared/served in a similar fashion to reptiles, with the bones removed and the meat sliced or torn off-white pieces.
The variety of fish served at Long John Silver’s were often prepared in a manner that was unappetizing to other diners. For example, sharks were usually served tail-first, while catfish were often prepared as if they were steaks. This was done to encourage diners to eat what was considered garbage fish rather than something more palatable. Unfortunately, Silver’s scheme did not work and he was eventually driven out of business due to his repulsive food.