Fresh seafood

Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of Isla Cristina Galeras, an authentic delicacy from the sea that offers a unique flavor and an unmatched culinary experience. Originating from the waters of Isla Cristina, these galleys are a gastronomic treasure that captures the essence of the coast and the local fishing tradition.

What are Galeras (Seafood)?

Galleys, also known as ocellated galleys, are malacostracean crustaceans that live in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and other coastal areas of warm seas. These delicious seafood are characterized by their shell, their pincer-shaped legs and their intense flavor, which makes them a appreciated delicacy in gastronomy. They are known for their role in sustainable fishing and their importance in the fishing tradition of various regions.

Intense Flavor and Versatility

Galeras are known for their intense flavor and delicate texture. Each bite is an explosion of marine authenticity, transporting your senses to the waters of the Atlantic. Their culinary versatility allows them to be protagonists in a variety of dishes, from rice dishes to soups and stews, adding a touch of distinction and flavor to each creation.

A Link to Tradition

The galleys of Isla Cristina are not only a delicacy, but also a link to the rich fishing tradition of the region. Each catch is the result of knowledge transmitted from generation to generation, a direct connection with the sea and its fruits. By tasting the galleys, you immerse yourself in the history and love for the ocean that characterize Isla Cristina.

Visual and Taste Experience

The unique appearance of galleys, with their distinctive color and shape, adds a touch of elegance to any dish. But it is its flavor that really captivates demanding palates. Each galley is a symphony of marine flavors that combine to create an exceptional taste experience, awakening your senses with each bite.

Responsible and Sustainable Capture

In ElTrasmallo.es, we are proud to offer you galleys that are the result of responsible and sustainable capture. We value the importance of preserving the balance of the marine ecosystem and promoting sustainable fishing practices that guarantee the availability of this delicacy for future generations. The Isla Cristina galleys are an example of how fishing tradition can coexist harmoniously with the preservation of the environment.

Nutritional information

Fishing Season and Fishing Gear

The galley fishing season usually extends throughout the year, offering a constant opportunity to enjoy this delicacy. Local fishermen use trawl nets to catch them sustainably, minimizing the impact on the marine environment.

Characteristics of the Galleys

Galleys, also known as ocellated galleys, belong to the group of malacostracean crustaceans. They are characterized by having two pairs of antennae, a head fused with the thorax, and a shell that covers the head and the first three thoracic segments. Their size varies, with lengths ranging between 3 and 18 cm.

One of the most notable features of galleys are their legs, which play a fundamental role in their lifestyle. They have five pairs of clawed catching legs and three pairs of clawless walking legs. The second pair of thoracic appendages resembles the legs of a mantis, and with them they immobilize their prey, which are trapped by the spines of these legs.

Their eyes are pedunculated and articulated, considered the most developed among all crustaceans. This allows them to distinguish polarized light and have three-dimensional vision, making them highly efficient hunters.

Regarding their appearance, the galleys have a color that varies between rust yellow, sepia brown and salmon color, with red and bluish edges. The ventral part is ecru, and its eyes are greenish, with purple eye spots and a white rim.

Types of Galleys

There are several species of galleys, each with its own characteristics:

• Galera Carenada (Squilla empusa): This species, known as Rough mantis shrimp in English and Squille rugueuse in French, is common on the North American Atlantic coast and can reach a length of up to 18 cm.
• Kicking Galley (Squilla aculeata): It is also called Kicking mantis shrimp in English and Squille frappeuse in French. It is found in the Pacific, from the west coast of Mexico to Chile.

Behavior and Habitat

The galleys belong to the Stomatopoda family and the Hoplocaridae group, which are known as armed shrimps. They prefer to inhabit sedimentary bottoms with mud and the lower edge of the seagrass zone. They excavate U-shaped galleries in these habitats and can be found at depths ranging between 20 and 100 meters.

These crustaceans are predators and live in the galleries that they themselves drill, often at considerable depths. Their diet consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans, which they capture with their powerful pincer-shaped legs.

Curiosities

Galleys have a number of fascinating features:

• They are used as fishing bait due to their flavor and attractiveness to other fish.
• Their pincer arrangement makes them highly effective weapons of attack and defense, capable of stunning small fish and breaking conch shells with precise blows.
• Their three-dimensional vision, thanks to their articulated stalked eyes, allows them to move with precision and locate prey.

Conclusion: A Gastronomic and Cultural Pleasure

The Galeras of Isla Cristina are a sample of the richness that the sea offers, and by enjoying them, you are paying tribute to the maritime culture and the unique flavors of the region. Embark on a culinary journey with ElTrasmallo.es and delight your palate with the exquisiteness of the galleys, a gastronomic pleasure that transcends time and the sea. Every bite is a connection to tradition and sustainability, a testament to how a love for the ocean can endure through generations.