Back to Seafood Guide
AvoidHigh MercuryLow Omega-3
Orange Roughy
Hoplostethus atlanticus
Orange roughy is one of the worst seafood choices due to extreme overfishing and the species' inability to recover quickly. These fish can live over 150 years and don't reproduce until age 20.
Wild-caughtNew Zealand, Australia, Deep Atlantic
Sustainability Assessment
Orange roughy is severely overfished worldwide. Their slow reproduction (some don't mature until 30 years old) makes population recovery extremely slow. Avoid completely.
Health Benefits
- High in protein
- WARNING: High in mercury due to long lifespan
- Not recommended for frequent consumption
- Better alternatives available
Cooking Tips
- 1We recommend choosing sustainable alternatives instead
- 2Try Pacific halibut or cod for similar texture
- 3Striped bass makes a good substitute
Better Alternatives
Pacific HalibutStriped BassMahi Mahi
Check More Seafood
Use our tools to make informed seafood choices.