The poet William Cowper famously declared that “Variety is the spice of life” and that’s certainly true when it comes to fish dishes. Between fresh and saltwater varieties, there are countless possibilities for which catch of the day can make its way to your plate. But which should you choose?

The Case for Saltwater Fish

There is no denying that saltwater fish have a certain exotic aura about them. Chances are good that you’ve already tried some freshwater fish in your life because they are easy to “farm.” By contrast, good saltwater seafood can come in a wide range of flavors from all over the world. What’s more, it often has larger bones and is thus easier to debone.

The Case for Freshwater Fish

However, if you don’t like a salty, briny taste in your food, you’ll almost certainly want to go for freshwater fish. What’s more, if they are “farmed” locally, there is a fair chance that freshwater fish may cost less than their more exotic and thus often more expensive saltwater counterparts.

Ultimately, as with most culinary decisions, the question of fresh vs. saltwater fish is a matter of taste and there’s a healthy variety of each from which to choose.