The Pixkerija is Malta’s primary fish market and plays a central role in the country’s fishing industry. Every day, it receives, inspects, auctions, and distributes locally caught fish, ensuring it reaches buyers through a regulated and transparent process.
The market operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fishermen return with their catch at different times depending on sea conditions, weather, and fishing activity. As fish arrives at the market, it is weighed, labelled, inspected, and prepared for auction.
Each morning at 4:00am, the ringing of the market bell marks the start of the auction. Before trading begins, sales agents prepare the lots and organise the fish by species. Buyers and hawkers then gather as the auction proceeds quickly, with most of the catch sold within the hour.
Every crate is identified and recorded, allowing each sale to be fully traced. These procedures help maintain product quality, transparency, and consumer confidence while ensuring compliance with market regulations.
Following every sale, the transaction is recorded in the Fish Market Management System (FMMS), providing accurate, real-time records of all fish sold through the market. The system supports the daily operation of the Pixkerija by improving traceability, record keeping, and operational efficiency.
The Pixkerija also includes a dedicated cutting bay and operates under established procedures and regulatory controls that support the handling and sale of fresh local fish. The market continues to serve fishermen, sales agents, hawkers, retailers, caterers, and other buyers who rely on its daily operations.
Buy Fresh Local Fish Directly from Pixkerija
Domestic consumers can also purchase fresh local fish directly from the Pixkerija by registering with the Malta Food Agency.
Sales Days
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Opening Hours
5:00am – 7:00am (or until stocks last)
How to Register
Registration forms can be collected from the Pixkerija or downloaded below.
Completed application forms must be submitted during opening hours together with:
Two passport-sized photographs
A copy of your ID card (front and back)