THORNYHEAD - FISH SPECIES FEATURE

 
Longspine Thornyheads with lemon herbs olives garlic

What is a Thornyhead?

Thornyhead (Sebastolobus spp.) are found along the Pacific Coast in two main species: Shortspine Thornyhead and Longspine Thornyhead. They also go by Kinki, channel rockfish, hardhead or idiot fish - sometimes just idiots! Closely related to rockfish, they share many similar traits, including spiny fins and a deepwater habitat along the West Coast. They are abundant, MSC-certified sustainable, and rated a green “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch. 

Beyond their striking red appearance, Thornyhead is highly valued for its exceptional Omega-3 content - Thornyheads contain as much Omega-3 as wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon. As an ingredient, Thornyhead is as adaptable as it is delicious. Its firm, large flakes hold up well to a variety of cooking methods, from steaming and poaching to pan-frying and roasting. This fish is particularly popular in Asian cuisines, where it is often prepared whole, steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce.

 

Thornyhead Quick Facts

Thornyhead is a deep-sea fish wild-caught by local fishing families on the US West Coast
Thornyheads enjoy healthy stock levels and are MSC certified sustainable
Thornyhead has as much Omega-3 as Sockeye Salmon or Herring
Thornyhead, aka Kinki, is a common ingredient in Asian cuisines
 
 
Shortspine Thornyhead Kinki fisherman

Thornyhead Biology

Thornyheads, aka hardheads, owe their name to their oversized head and distinctive sharp spines along their cheeks. Thornyheads are bright red with pink hues; but if you spotted one underwater you might notice additional patches of white across their bodies. 

Thornyheads can be found all along the Pacific Coast, with northern populations typically living in shallower waters compared to those farther south. Most Thornyheads are found between 600 and 3,000 feet deep, with commercial fisheries primarily targeting them off the coasts of Oregon and California. They don’t have a swim bladder so bringing them to the surface doesn’t cause as much internal damage, which in turn is good for their commercial viability. They are often found in the same waters as Black Cod and are frequently caught alongside them by fishermen.

Despite their names, Longspine Thornyheads tend to stay on the smaller side, usually maxing out around 15 inches, whereas Shortspine Thornyheads can grow to nearly twice that size, reaching up to 30 inches. They live between 60 and 100 years, but some Shortspine Thornyheads have been found nearing 140 years old. Like many deepwater species, they are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

 

Thornyhead Sustainability

Petrale Sole is a wild-caught fish species. And that means that it requires no arable land, no precious fresh water, nor any fertilizer, pesticides, polluting chemicals, or any antibiotics to produce this great protein source.

Wild & Natural

Thornyhead is a wild-caught fish species. And that means that it requires no arable land, no precious fresh water, nor any fertilizer, pesticides, polluting chemicals, or any antibiotics to produce this great protein source.

What makes petrale sole sustainable: Coast Petrale sole is among the most positive environmental sustainability success stories. The species has bounced back to healthy and abundant stock levels thanks to a great commitment to sustainability.

Healthy and Abundant fish population

West Coast wild-caught Thornyhead is among the most positive sustainability success stories around. Following decline in the species’ population levels during the 1990s and receiving a federal disaster declaration in 2000, this species has bounced back to great abundance levels thanks to a total commitment to sustainability.

What makes petrale sole sustainable: Petrale Sole is subject to a rigorous science-driven management process through the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Well-managed fishery

Thornyhead is subject to a rigorous science-driven management process through the federally appointed Pacific Fishery Management Council that ensures continued abundance in future. This entails scientifically set limits on total catch, and limitations on when, where and how fishing can occur (i.e. avoiding spawning season, avoiding sensitive habitats or gear that minimizes accidental by-catch).

While the average seafood product consumed in the United States clocks up over 5,000 food miles, Petrale Sole are caught and processed locally on the West Coast. Keeping it local minimizes food miles and their carbon footprint.

Keeping it local

While the average seafood product consumed in the United States clocks up over 5,000 food miles, Thornyheads are caught and processed locally on the West Coast. Keeping it local not only minimizes food miles and their carbon footprint, but also maximizes product freshness and quality.

Petrale Sole fishermen are 100% accountable for their catch. All West Coast fishermen who catch Petrale Sole with trawl have an independent observer and/or camera system on board on every single trip.

100% monitored FISHERY

Thornyhead fishermen are 100% accountable for their catch. All West Coast fishermen who catch Thornyhead with trawl have an independent observer and/or camera system on board on every single trip to ensure compliance and complete record-keeping.

Petrale Sole caught in California, Oregon or Washington, has been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the gold standard for wild sustainable fish. Moreover, Petrale Sole is rated as a green “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch.

Independently certified SUSTAINABLE

Since 2014, Thornyhead caught in California, Oregon or Washington, has been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the gold standard for wild sustainable fish. Moreover, Thornyhead is rated as a green “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch.

 
 
Thornyhead healthy fish high Omega-3

Thornyhead Nutritional Content

Thornyhead is a nutrient-dense seafood choice, offering an impressive balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients. With 15.9g of protein per 100g, it provides a medium-lean yet substantial source of high-quality protein. One of Thornyhead’s standout features is its exceptionally high Omega-3 content of 990mg/100g, surpassing even that of wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon (960mg/100g). Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. 

Additionally, Thornyhead is an excellent source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health, immune function, and cell protection from oxidative stress. Thornyhead contains 6x more Vitamin E than Atlantic Cod or Alaska Halibut. Moreover, Thornyhead also provides a good amount of Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus. With its rich nutritional profile and mild, sweet flavor, Thornyhead is a great addition to any diet.

Learn more about how Thornyhead compares to other foods here.

Thornyhead aka Kinki Nutritional Information
 
 
Thornyhead Culinary Profile Taste Texture Oil

Thornyhead Taste & Cooking

Taste: Thornyhead is a white fish with a mild, and excitingly sweet flavor with a medium-firm texture and medium flake size. Its texture is like a mix of an oily Black Cod and a lean Rockfish, offering a firmer consistency than rockfish while retaining a higher moisture and oil content. It is a sustainable and local substitute for farmed tilapia or swai.

Preparation Method: Thornyhead is a highly versatile fish that adapts well to a variety of cooking methods. It can be roasted in the oven with bold seasonings or flavorful sauces, to enhance its natural richness. Thornyhead is also well-suited for grilling and steaming as a whole fish, which helps it maintain its firm texture and lock in its juices. We also like it fried and crispy in dishes like fish tacos or fish and chips.

Thornyhead is related to Rockfish, and can be used in any Rockfish recipes.

 
 

Thornyhead Recipes

Pro Tip: Thornyhead is related to Rockfish, and can be used in any Rockfish recipes.

 
 
Petrale Sole fish FAQ

Common Questions

  • Thornyhead can be found in specialized seafood markets or restaurants along the West Coast of the US. They are popular in Japanese and Chinese cuisine and are sometimes sold live at Asian markets! We have a list of markets, online suppliers, and restaurants that focus on these local sustainable species. Give them a call to check on Thornyhead stock! Check out our Retail & Restaurant Guide>>

  • Thorny heads are wild-caught, sustainably managed fish native to the West Coast of the US. And they are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering excellent protein, heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential Vitamin E. Thornyhead stands out for its remarkably high Omega-3 content, surpassing species like wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. This makes it an exceptional choice for those seeking a nutrient-dense, flavorful seafood option.

  • Longspine and Shortspine Thornyheads are abundant all along the West Coast of the US. They are not overfished or subject to overfishing. Thornyheads are subject to rigorous science-based fisheries management under the purview of the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Thorny head are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and are rated a green “Best Choice” by the Seafood Watch.

  • Thornyheads are white fish species that are related to Rockfish, and can go by many names - channel rockfish, channel rockcod, hardhead or idiot fish (sometimes just idiot). They live in the deep cold waters of the Pacific all along the West Coast of the US. The main commercial sub-species sold in the US are Shortspine Thornyhead and Longspine Thornyhead. In Japan, where they are known as Kinki, Thornyheads are deemed a true delicacy and can carry a hefty price.

  • Shortspine Thornyhead has a staggering 990mg of Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) per 100g of raw fillet. For context Thornyhead’s Omega-3 content surpasses that of wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon (960mg/100g), a fish well-known for its Omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Check out more nutritional stats here >>>

  • Yes, Thorny head falls in the same family class as Rockfish which makes them great substitutes to one another in recipes. To compare, check out Pacific Rockfish >>>

  • No, Thornyheads are not poisonous, venomous, or dangerous to humans, despite their intimidating appearance. However, they should still be handled with care, as their sharp spines remain intact when brought to the surface. This is true for any fish with pronounced body or cheek spines

  • Thornyhead is a versatile fish that adapts seamlessly to a variety of recipes. Its mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture make it perfect for both elegant dinners and quick weeknight meals. It can even serve as a nutritious alternative to chicken breast, offering significantly higher levels of Omega-3s for a heart-healthy boost.