8 Types of Fish to Avoid in Your Diet

Here are 8 types of fish commonly recommended to avoid or limit, mainly due to high mercury levels, toxins, or sustainability concerns 🐟

1. Shark

Very high in mercury

Can harm the nervous system

Especially unsafe for pregnant women and children

2. Swordfish

One of the highest mercury concentrations among fish

Linked to developmental issues with frequent consumption

3. King Mackerel (not Atlantic mackerel)

High mercury content

Often confused with safer mackerel varieties

4. Tilefish (from the Gulf of Mexico)

Extremely high mercury levels

Explicitly advised against by health authorities

5. Marlin

Large predatory fish → bioaccumulates mercury

Should be avoided or eaten very rarely

6. Orange Roughy

High mercury

Long lifespan means more toxin buildup

Also heavily overfished

7. Bigeye Tuna

Higher mercury than skipjack or light tuna

Common in sushi and steaks

8. Chilean Sea Bass (Patagonian Toothfish)

Often overfished or illegally harvested

High mercury and environmental impact

✅ Safer Fish Alternatives

If you want healthier options with lower mercury, choose:

Salmon

Sardines

Anchovies

Trout

Herring

Atlantic mackerel (not king)