This year has been especially tight on the budget for many Aussies, and Christmas will be no different. The great news is that our seafood feasts don't have to suffer!
There are so many delicious local species available at Sydney Fish Market, and many of them mimic the flavour and texture of more popular (and therefore exxy) fish to a T.
Make some of these swaps this Christmas to save a buck, without skimping on deliciousness. 
Swap Flathead for Gurnard
Chances are you've already eaten Gurnard in a fish and chip shop at some point in your life; it's often served battered in local chippies due to its affordability.
Gurnard have a very similar body shape to Flathead, and thus a very similar texture. Their flavour is classically Flathead-esque too, though a bit fresher and more dynamic thanks to a more oceanic diet.
This fish is particularly easy to cook – pan-fried, in a pie, on the BBQ... Your options are endless!
Swap King or Tiger Prawns for School Prawns
If you're a fan of Sydney Fish Market, you know that we are constantly intolling the virtues of the delicious School Prawn. Inarguably Australia's sweetest prawn, School Prawns are mostly caught within an hour or two's drive from Sydney, meaning that they're also usually the freshest variety available.
While not an exact substitute for the more popular King and Tiger Prawns, locally-caught School Prawns can replace their larger counterparts in many recipes, such as pastas, stir-fries, or minces (e.g. fish cakes or potted prawns).
These little guys usually retail for half the price of larger prawn species – win!
Swap Salmon for Sea Mullet
Atlantic Salmon is a favourite in almost every Aussie household, and high demand results in higher prices! The good news is that Sea Mullet has similar levels of fat and omega 3 oils, making it the ideal substitute in recipes calling for Salmon. Both fish have a distinctive flavour and lend themselves well to a crispy skin.
Mullet is a hugely abundant and widespread fish, and as such will always be cheaper than farmed Salmon... Usually less than a third of the price!
Swap Snapper for Luderick
Every Aussie loves a bit of Snapper – they are a staple on restaurant menus and at BBQ's the country over. Like Salmon, the popularity of Snapper can sometimes increase its price point, but we've got a perfect swap for you... Luderick!
With a very similar flavour and texture profile to Snapper, Luderick is most often caught using hand-hauling, which is a cheap and effective (if tiring!) way to harvest. This capture method means they usually retail for around a third of the price of Snapper!