Snapper
& changu.
Reef snapper and emperor, the whole fish of Tanzanian coastal cooking. Supplied whole on ice, as landed or cleaned, sold by the kilo, for hotels, restaurants and wholesale buyers.
Overview
Changu is the Swahili name for emperor fish (Lethrinus), the reef fish most often sold as “snapper” on the Tanzanian coast; true snappers land alongside them. Both are sweet, white-fleshed reef fish that suit a whole grilled or fried fish. We supply them whole, as landed or cleaned, graded by size and priced by the kilo.
Sourced in Tanzania
Our reef fish is landed along the Tanzanian coast and around Zanzibar. The species mix, sizes and availability follow the season and the catch; we grade fresh at the landing and confirm what is available when you order.
Ordering snapper & emperor from Samaki Direct
Send your order on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form at least two days before you need it, with the quantity in kilos and the size or grade you want. We confirm availability and the price per kilo for that order, then deliver in Dar es Salaam on the agreed day. It is supplied whole, as landed or cleaned, fresh on ice or frozen. Zanzibar, upcountry and export orders are possible on request; upcountry and export transport and clearing are at the buyer’s cost, and Zanzibar follows the Zanzibar price list.
Plate-size changu is the classic whole fried or grilled fish of the coast. Order it by size per fish so every plate looks the same. Mixed reef fish is available for wholesale buyers who don’t need one species.
TZS 17,000 per kg
Updated 31 Oct 2026. Mainland (Dar es Salaam) prices. Zanzibar prices include delivery and clearing to your door: see our Zanzibar price list. Guide prices are per kg and start from the lowest line. Prices move with the catch and the size; we confirm today’s price when you order.
Mainland price list (PDF) Zanzibar price list (PDF)Formats & grading
Sold whole by the kilo, as landed or cleaned, on an unbroken cold chain. Availability follows the season and the catch; order two days ahead.
- 01Whole, on icePlate-size or larger fish, graded at the landing.
- 02Graded by sizeSorted to the sizes you order per fish.
- 03Sold by the kiloPriced per kg; prices follow the catch.
- 04Frozen wholeFrozen whole fish for distribution.
Order snapper & emperor on WhatsApp
Choose what you need and we write the WhatsApp message for you. We reply with today's price and availability — nothing is ordered until you confirm.
Buyer applications
Hotels & resorts
Whole grilled fish and buffet service.
Restaurants
Plate-size whole fish, graded to a consistent size.
Wholesale
Mixed reef fish for onward trade.
Homes
A whole fish for the family, ordered on WhatsApp.
Request snapper & emperor supply
Tell us the product, quantity, format and destination, and our team will reply with availability and next steps. WhatsApp is the fastest route.
Direct: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
What is “changu”?+
Changu is the Swahili name for emperor fish (Lethrinus). On the Tanzanian coast it is often sold as snapper, and true snappers land alongside it.
Can you supply plate-size fish?+
Yes, subject to what is landing. Tell us the size you need per fish and we grade to it.
Do you clean or fillet the fish?+
We clean, but we do not fillet. Snapper and emperor are supplied whole, as landed or cleaned, graded by size and priced by the kilo.
How much does snapper cost?+
Prices move with the catch, so we confirm today’s price per kg when you order on WhatsApp or send an enquiry.
How far ahead should I order snapper & emperor?+
Two days. That lets us source and grade to your sizes before delivery.
How should I store snapper & emperor on arrival?+
Keep it on ice or chilled at 0–4 °C and use it within a day or two, or freeze it straight away. Frozen seafood should stay frozen until it goes into the kitchen.
Buying guides: How to Source Seafood From Tanzania · Fresh vs Frozen Seafood for Hotels · Tanzania Seafood Exporter: A Guide for International Buyers · Swahili Names of Fish & Seafood · All seafood guides
Talk to us about snapper & emperor
Message us on WhatsAppHotels, restaurants, distributors and international buyers — reach us for availability, formats and pricing.
- Phone / WhatsApp
- +255 756 511 232
- [email protected]
- Origin
- Tanzania — Dar es Salaam & Zanzibar