Fish to Avoid Due to High Mercury Levels

These species tend to accumulate dangerous levels of mercury and should be avoided entirely—especially by pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, and frequent fish consumers:

Shark

Swordfish

King mackerel

Tilefish (from the Gulf of Mexico)

Orange roughy

Bigeye tuna (used in sushi/sashimi)

Marlin

Healthline

For reference, average mercury levels can reach up to:

Swordfish: 0.995 ppm

Shark: 0.979 ppm

King Mackerel: 0.730 ppm

Bigeye Tuna: 0.689 ppm
Healthline

Additional Warnings