Scup

Scup, also known as porgy, is a small to medium saltwater fish found along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has lean, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a fine, flaky texture when cooked. The taste is clean and unassertive, making it approachable for people who prefer milder-tasting fish.

Scup is a versatile table fish that responds well to simple cooking methods — pan-frying, grilling whole, baking, or steaming. It has a moderate number of bones, so cooking it whole and picking the flesh is common. In American coastal communities, particularly in the northeastern United States, scup has long been a popular and affordable everyday fish.

It’s not commonly available in Australia, but may be encountered in imported or specialty contexts. Similar local alternatives would include bream or snapper.