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About our fish (whole)
Whole fish delivers the best of Australian seafood: maximum flavour, minimum waste and the visual impact of a show-stopping centrepiece. Tasman Star stocks whole snapper, barramundi, flathead, coral trout, mackerel and seasonal reef fish, all sourced from Queensland and NSW fisheries and landed at our Gold Coast market within 24–48 hours of catch. Whole fish is scaled and gutted on request, delivered with bright, clear eyes and firm, glossy skin. Roast whole with salt crust, grill over charcoal for a Mediterranean-style feast, steam Cantonese-style with ginger and shallot, or fillet at home for multiple meals from a single fish. A whole fish on the table also carries real cultural weight. Chinese families across Southport and Robina serve whole steamed snapper or barramundi at Lunar New Year for prosperity, Greek and Italian homes in Mermaid Beach and Burleigh grill a whole fish for Good Friday, and it remains the centrepiece for christenings, engagement dinners and milestone birthdays across the coast.
Storage
Whole fish keeps 2 days in the fridge at 0–2°C, packed on ice. For longer storage, fillet and freeze portions individually. Never freeze a whole, ungutted fish.
Serving
Allow 400–500g whole fish per person (weight includes head, tail and bones). Score the skin twice each side before cooking to ensure even heat penetration.
Frequently asked questions
Will the fish be cleaned and scaled before delivery?
Yes, unless you request otherwise. We scale, gut and gill every whole fish as part of the standard prep.
How fresh is your whole fish?
All whole fish is landed within 24–48 hours of catch. Eye clarity, firm flesh and a clean ocean smell are our quality markers.
Can you fillet a whole fish for me?
Yes. Add a note at checkout or call ahead. Filleting is free of charge for retail customers.
What fish is in season on the Gold Coast?
Snapper and flathead run year-round. Coral trout, Spanish mackerel and reef species peak September–April. We always carry 6–10 whole fish varieties.
Which whole fish should I order for Lunar New Year or Good Friday?
For Lunar New Year a whole steamed snapper or barramundi is traditional. Fish is served head-to-tail as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. For Good Friday, Mediterranean families tend to choose whole snapper, bream or baby barramundi for the grill. Pre-order at least 5 days ahead for Lunar New Year, Easter weekend and Christmas. Whole-fish demand from Southport, Robina, Mermaid Beach and Burleigh spikes hard in those weeks.
How big a whole fish should I buy for a family celebration?
Whole-weight includes head, tail and bones so allow 400–500g per person. A 2kg snapper feeds 4, a 3kg barramundi feeds 6, a 4–5kg whole fish handles 8–10 guests. For a dinner of 12+ in Broadbeach Waters or Main Beach, order two 3kg whole fish rather than one giant fish. They cook more evenly and look just as impressive on the platter.
Do you deliver to the Gold Coast?
Yes. We deliver fresh seafood 7 days a week across the Gold Coast and Tuesday and Friday to Northern Rivers NSW. Order before 2pm the day prior to delivery.
How is the seafood packed for delivery?
All orders are packed in insulated cooler bags with frozen gel packs. Chilled items travel at 0–4°C; frozen items arrive at –18°C or colder.
Can I pickup my order instead of delivery?
Yes. Choose pickup at checkout and collect from our Gold Coast facility during business hours.
Are your seafood products Australian?
Wherever possible, yes. Every product clearly labels its country of origin. We prioritise Australian-sourced seafood from Queensland, NSW and Tasmanian fisheries.