Drum-Type Fish Descaling Machine for Snakehead & Tilapia

Automatic, Efficient Solution for Small to Medium Fish

In small and medium fish processing, manual descaling is inefficient, labor-intensive, and can damage fish quality. The drum-type fish descaling machine is designed specifically to solve these challenges for snakehead (black fish), tilapia, and similar small to medium fish, effectively removing fine scales and floating scales while preserving fish integrity.

Core Design & Working Principle

The machine features a cylindrical stainless-steel rotating drum as its core component. Fish are fed into the drum, where they roll and tumble uniformly while slowly advancing forward, ensuring complete, uniform descaling.

Key design elements:

• Rotating drum driven by motor with variable frequency speed control

• Multi-angle water spray system flushes detached scales and reduces fish-to-fish collision

• Gentle friction action ensures even removal of fine or stubborn scales without damaging fish skin

The drum rotation and water spray work together to enhance descaling, ensuring that each fish is thoroughly processed.

Key Advantages

1. High Efficiency

   • Processes 300–400 kg of small to medium fish per hour (~10–15 workers equivalent)

   • Greatly reduces labor costs and boosts production

2. Precise & Gentle Scale Removal

   • Descaling rate > 95%

   • Fish skin damage < 3%

   • Preserves fish integrity for downstream processing

3. Easy Operation & Flexible Integration

   • Intelligent control panel: set drum speed and rotation time

   • Automatic operation with minimal supervision

   • Inlet and outlet designed for seamless integration with washing, sorting, and cutting lines or standalone use

Food-Grade Materials & Safety

• Entire machine made of 304 stainless steel: highly corrosion-resistant and durable

• Enclosed transmission system prevents water and scale from entering moving parts

• Complies with food processing hygiene standards and ensures operator safety

Application Scenarios

• Small fisheries & cooperatives: efficiently process daily catches like small yellow croaker or snakehead

• Fish processing factories: integrated into automated production lines for filleting, slicing, or further processing

• Restaurants & central kitchens: quickly process small fish for ready-to-cook dishes

• Wholesale markets & small processing points: provide value-added descaling services

Suitable Fish & Processing

• Fresh or partially thawed fish

• Weight: mostly ≤ 500 g

• Fish species: snakehead (black fish), tilapia, Antarctic icefish, yellow croaker, small hairtail, and similar small to medium fish

• Benefits: reduces labor, preserves fish quality, clean and efficient descaling, maintains freshness

Technical Specifications

Highlights for Buyers

• Ideal for small to medium fish with fine or floating scales

• High efficiency, low labor requirement

• Preserves fish integrity and appearance

• Easy to operate and maintain

• Integrates smoothly into processing lines or works standalone

FAQ 

Q1: What types of fish can this drum-type descaling machine handle?
A: It is suitable for small to medium fish weighing ≤500 g, including snakehead (black fish), tilapia, yellow croaker, small hairtail, and Antarctic icefish.

Q2: What is the processing capacity of the machine?
A: The machine can process approximately 300–400 kg per hour (about 10–15 workers’ equivalent), making it ideal for small fisheries and medium-sized processing lines.

Q3: How does the machine protect fish integrity?
A: The drum rotation combined with gentle friction and multi-angle water spray ensures >95% descaling rate while keeping fish skin damage under 3%, preserving fish quality for downstream processing.

Q4: Is it easy to integrate into an existing production line?
A: Yes, the inlet and outlet are designed for seamless connection with washing, sorting, filleting, or slicing lines. It also works standalone for small-scale processing.

Q5: What are the machine’s safety and hygiene features?
A: Made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, with an enclosed transmission system to prevent water and scale ingress. Easy to clean and compliant with food processing hygiene standards.

Q6: What power supply and installation requirements are needed?
A: The machine operates on 2.2 kW, 380V, 50Hz, 3-phase power. Dimensions are 230 × 140 × 185 cm, weight 400 kg. Minimal installation space is required, and full automatic operation simplifies usage.

Q7: Can the machine process frozen or partially thawed fish?
A: Yes, it can handle fresh or partially thawed fish efficiently without compromising descaling quality.