As Australia has become an increasingly food-obsessed nation, many habits have changed.

Easter has been a time associated with two foods in particular – chocolate for kids, and fish for adults.

While Australia’s history post-1788 has been dominated by Christianity, this has given way to a more diverse cultural mix in recent decades. But fish for Good Friday remains a tradition that even non-Christians choose to participate in.

This year fish supplies have been affected to some degree by the bad weather and wild seas this week, with flathead in particular being difficult to come by from the region’s fishing boats.

The result is a leap in the popularity of less-prominent varieties of fish. 

Nonetheless, fish shop owners said the rush to put seafood on the Good Friday dinner table remains the second busiest time of the year for fishmongers (Christmas Eve being the strong No.1).

Harley and John’s Seafood at Fairy Meadow was doing a roaring trade after the rough weather, owner Grant Logue said.

“We’re going through a lot of gurnard, which I think is as good as flathead, but cheaper,” he said. “Ling sales have also been good.”

His shop will be open from 8am-3.30pm Friday, 8am-5pm on Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Monday.

Wollongong’s Harbourside Fish Market had moved to Flinders St and owner Tony Virtu said this had also contributed to strong sales.

“I think that link with seafood and Easter, the ties there are still as strong as ever,” he said.

Flathead had been scarce but Mr Virtu said he hoped for a supply coming in overnight, ready for sale on Friday morning when he will be open for a “marathon” 6am-6pm session. Then he’s open 8am-5pm Saturday and 10am-2pm Sunday.

“It’s surprised me this year – normally it’s the snapper and salmon, flathead,” Mr Virtu said. “This year, we’ve had John Dory, perch, trout, oysters, strong right across the board.”