This list showcases some of the most commonly known fish varieties in Kerala and their English equivalents.

This list showcases some of the most commonly known fish varieties in Kerala and their English equivalents.

This list showcases some of the most commonly known fish varieties in Kerala and their English equivalents.

Fish is a vital part of the Kerala diet and culture, especially in coastal areas. The region is known for its rich aquatic biodiversity, and seafood lovers cherish a wide variety of fish, from the humble Sardine (Mathi) to the flavourful Seerfish (Neymeen).

For anyone curious about the different types of fish found in Kerala and their English equivalents, this guide provides a comprehensive list of popular fish names in Malayalam and English. If you're interested in exploring traditional Kerala seafood dishes or learning about local fish varieties, this list will guide you in identifying the most popular fish in the state.

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Popular fish varieties in Kerala along with their English and Malayalam names:

Malayalam: Mathi/Chala
English: Sardine

  • Malayalam: Choora
    English: Tuna

  • Malayalam: Ayala
    English: Mackerel

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    Malayalam: Neymeen/Ayakoora
    English: Seer fish (kingfish)

  • Malayalam: Avoli
    English: Pomfret

  • Malayalam: Chempalli
    English: Red snapper

  • Malayalam: Karimeen
    English: Pearl spot

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    Malayalam: Siloppi/Piloppi
    English: Tilapia

  • Malayalam: Kilimeen/Puyyapla Kora
    English: Pink perch

  • Malayalam: Ayiram palli
    English: Halibut

  • Malayalam: Kanava/Koonthal
    English: Squid/Calamari

  • Malayalam: Natholi/Kozhuva
    English: Anchovy

  • Malayalam: Kakka
    English: Clams

  • Malayalam: Aaral/Malanjal
    English: Eel

  • Malayalam: Sheelavu
    English: Barracuda

  • Malayalam: Meen mutta/Pananjil
    English: Fish roe

  • Malayalam: Vaala
    English: Ribbon fish

  • Malayalam: Kaari/Mushi/Muzhu/Kadu
    English: Asian stinging catfish

  • Malayalam: Koori
    English: Blacktip sea catfish

  • Malayalam: Manthal/Nangu
    English: Sole fish

  • Malayalam: Vila
    English: Emperor fish

  • Malayalam: Thala
    English: Black marlin

  • Malayalam: Kora
    English: Silver croaker

  • Malayalam: Paral
    English: Giant danio (Danio Malabaricus) 

  • Malayalam: Thirandi
    English: Stingray

  • Malayalam: Koirala
    English: Yellow stripe scad

  • Malayalam: Sravu
    English: Shark

  • Malayalam: Vatta/Paraa
    English: Trevally

  • Malayalam: Koori vaala
    English: Basa

  • Malayalam: Kalanji
    English: Asian seabass

  • Malayalam: Kannan kozhiyala
    English: Bigeye scad

  • Malayalam: Motha
    English: Cobia

  • Malayalam: Punnarameen
    English: Butterfish

  • Malayalam: Njandu
    English: Crab

  • Malayalam: Parava
    English: False trevally

  • Malayalam: Mullan parava
    English: False pony fish

  • Malayalam: Varaal/Bral
    English: Snakehead murrel

  • Malayalam: Thirutha
    English: Grey mullet

  • Malayalam: Kanambu
    English: Bluespot mullet

  • Malayalam: Pulli motha
    English: Mahi mahi

  • Malayalam: Poomeen
    English: Milk fish

  • Malayalam: Komban sravu
    English: Sword fish

  • Malayalam: Kera choora
    English: Yellow fin tuna
  • Malayalam: Neerali
    English: Octopus
  • Malayalam: Koch
    English: Prawns
  • Malayalam: Chemmeen
    English: Shrimp
  • Malayalam: Thirandi
    English: Stingray fish
  • Malayalam: Aattu vaala
    English: Boal
  • Malayalam: Manathu kanni
    English: Striped panchax
  • Malayalam: Pallathi
    English: Orange chromide

    • (Sources: Kerala Fisheries Department, CMFRI, Kerala Tourism, Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation LTD)

    This list showcases some of the most commonly known fish varieties in Kerala and their English equivalents. Fish is an integral part of Kerala's culinary culture, and many of these varieties are available in local markets, often used in traditional dishes like fish curry, fish fry, and more.