Fish without scales are considered unclean and not to be eaten primarily due to religious dietary laws, particularly in Judaism, which outline specific criteria for permissible foods. According to these laws, fish must have both fins and scales to be deemed kosher. The absence of scales in certain fish is associated with an unclean status, reflecting broader spiritual and health beliefs that influence dietary practices in various cultures.
In the Old Testament, shellfish such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and other forms of seafood without fins and scales were considered unclean and forbidden to be eaten by the Israelites. This is outlined in Leviticus 11:9-12.
Krill is not kosher. Maritime creatures needs fins and scales to be considered kosher. However as Krill are mostly eaten by Balleen whales and Sharks this question is perhaps not that important.
In the Bible, animals that are considered unclean include pigs, camels, and certain types of seafood like shellfish. These animals were prohibited from being eaten by the Israelites according to the laws of kosher dietary restrictions.
I believe horse meat is unclean. The Old Testament says only animals with cloven hooves that chew cud are to be eaten. Also only fish with fins and scales can be eaten, meaning no shellfish and I think no sturgeon. (sturgeon don't have scales) So to sum it up, good news for horses, pigs, crab, shrimp and bad news for cattle, sheep, goats, salmon, trout and bass.
The mackerel fish does have scales as an outer covering. The mackerel is a fish that can be eaten without removing the scales, though. The scales are so small, it does not cause a problem for eating.
Certain cultures or religions have dietary restrictions that prohibit the consumption of certain animals considered unclean. For example, in Judaism, pork and shellfish are considered unclean and are not allowed to be eaten. In Islam, Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork. These dietary restrictions are based on religious beliefs and teachings.
According to the Bible, animals that are considered clean and can be eaten include those with cloven hooves and that chew the cud, such as cows, sheep, goats, and deer. Animals that are considered unclean and should not be eaten include pigs, rabbits, and shellfish.
In the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible, it is stated that pork is considered unclean and should not be eaten. This is part of the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament.
In the Bible, Jesus did not specifically mention pork. However, in the Old Testament, pork is considered unclean and forbidden to be eaten by the Israelites in Leviticus 11:7-8.
Obviously, you are referring to the 'Dietary Rules' found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. The answer then is yes as sardines or pilchard have both fins and scales and may be eaten. Predominantly then, shellfish, sharks, swordfish, and catfish do not have either fins or scales or both and are prohibited to be eaten.
So they don't get eaten. They are covered in scales to avoid them getting eaten by the orca!
The only part of a fish that is generally not eaten are the entrails (guts). Canned sardines are eaten with their heads, scales, fins and tails, many trout have scales that can be eaten. In many parts of the world, fish head soup is a common meal. Certain fish eggs (caviar) are also eaten. Many times it depends on the size, type and diet of the fish that determines what are or are not edible parts.