Greenback Mullet (Boi)

Greenback Mullet, locally known as Boi (بوئی) and scientifically named Liza subviridis, is a coastal and estuarine fish commonly consumed in Pakistan’s southern regions. Known for its greenish back, silver belly, and robust body, Boi is a traditional favorite for fried, grilled, and masala-based recipes. It’s an affordable, nutrient-rich fish that remains in demand among both street food vendors and home cooks.

At Wholesome Seafood, we offer freshly caught Greenback Mullet (Boi), properly cleaned and packed, ready to be cooked whole or in slices.

Greenback Mullet (Boi) has a mildly earthy flavor with soft, white meat and moderate fat content. While not as delicate as Pomfret or Snapper, it is flavorful when prepared with bold spices or smoked. Its meat holds up well during frying and roasting, making it ideal for spicy masala dishes.

Taxonomy & Identification

English Name: Greenback Mullet
Local Name (Urdu): Boi (بوئی)
Scientific Name: Planiliza subviridis
Family: Mugilidae
Order: Mugiliformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Phylum: Chordata

Greenback Mullet (Boi) is found in shallow coastal waters, muddy river mouths, estuaries, and mangrove-rich zones of the Arabian Sea. It is commonly landed at the Karachi Fish Harbour, especially during the post-monsoon and winter months when water salinity supports its migration.

Catching Method

At Wholesome Seafood, Greenback Mullet is sourced using small-scale coastal nets and estuary traps, ensuring that the fish is collected live and cleaned the same day. Quick chilling preserves its natural taste and freshness.

Greenback Mullet (Boi) has a torpedo-shaped body with a greenish back, shiny silver sides, and small mouth. It’s typically smaller than sea bass but thicker and meatier than sardines. The scales are large and easily removable. The meat inside is soft and white, with a few central bones.

Size

We offer Greenback Mullet (Boi)  in sizes ranging from 250 grams to 1 kg per fish, ideal for whole frying, slicing, or curry-based preparations.

Cleaning Preference

Greenback Mullet is available whole, gutted, sliced, or headless, depending on your cooking requirements. It’s often preferred whole for traditional fried recipes, while sliced cuts are popular in masala gravies.

Greenback Mullet (Boi) is best deep-fried whole, cooked in thick masala gravy, or grilled with lemon and garlic. It’s commonly used in roadside seafood stalls and traditional coastal homes for quick frying and rice pairings. Marinating with vinegar, garlic, and green chili enhances its flavor profile.

Health Benefits

Greenback Mullet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, and protein, making it good for brain health, joint mobility, and skin regeneration. It also contains healthy marine fats and is often consumed for improving digestion and energy in colder months. Here is an interesting discussion on Quora about the potential health benefits of Mullet

Explore more traditional coastal fish options at Wholesome Seafood:

Milkfish (Sulemani)
Tigertooth Croaker (Mushka)