Fish names in Malayalam and English: A guide to popular fish varieties in Kerala

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.

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

1. Malayalam: Mathi/Chala
   English: Sardine

2. Malayalam: Choora
   English: Tuna

3. Malayalam: Ayala
   English: Mackerel

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

5. Malayalam: Avoli
   English: Pomfret

6. Malayalam: Chempalli
   English: Red snapper

7. Malayalam: Karimeen
   English: Pearl spot

8. Malayalam: Siloppi/Piloppi
   English: Tilapia

9. Malayalam: Kilimeen/Puyyapla Kora
   English: Pink perch

10. Malayalam: Ayiram palli
    English: Halibut

11. Malayalam: Kanava/Koonthal
    English: Squid/Calamari

12. Malayalam: Natholi/Kozhuva
    English: Anchovy

13. Malayalam: Kakka
    English: Clams

14. Malayalam: Aaral/Malanjal
    English: Eel

15. Malayalam: Sheelavu
    English: Barracuda

16. Malayalam: Meen mutta/Pananjil
    English: Fish roe

17. Malayalam: Vaala
    English: Ribbon fish

18. Malayalam: Kaari/Mushi/Muzhu/Kadu
    English: Asian stinging catfish

19. Malayalam: Koori
    English: Blacktip sea catfish

20. Malayalam: Manthal/Nangu
    English: Sole fish

21. Malayalam: Vila
    English: Emperor fish

22. Malayalam: Thala
    English: Black marlin

23. Malayalam: Kora
    English: Silver croaker

24. Malayalam: Paral
    English: Giant danio (Danio Malabaricus) 

25. Malayalam: Thirandi
    English: Stingray

26. Malayalam: Koirala
    English: Yellow stripe scad

27. Malayalam: Sravu
    English: Shark

28. Malayalam: Vatta/Paraa
    English: Trevally

29. Malayalam: Koori vaala
    English: Basa

30. Malayalam: Kalanji
    English: Asian seabass

31. Malayalam: Kannan kozhiyala
    English: Bigeye scad

32. Malayalam: Motha
    English: Cobia

33. Malayalam: Punnarameen
    English: Butterfish

34. Malayalam: Njandu
    English: Crab

35. Malayalam: Parava
    English: False trevally

36. Malayalam: Mullan parava
    English: False pony fish

37. Malayalam: Varaal/Bral
    English: Snakehead murrel

38. Malayalam: Thirutha
    English: Grey mullet

39. Malayalam: Kanambu
    English: Bluespot mullet

40. Malayalam: Pulli motha
    English: Mahi mahi

41. Malayalam: Poomeen
    English: Milk fish

42. Malayalam: Komban sravu
    English: Sword fish

43. Malayalam: Kera choora
    English: Yellow fin tuna
44. Malayalam: Neerali
    English: Octopus
45. Malayalam: Koch
    English: Prawns
46. Malayalam: Chemmeen
    English: Shrimp
47. Malayalam: Thirandi
    English: Stingray fish
48. Malayalam: Aattu vaala
    English: Boal
49. Malayalam: Manathu kanni
    English: Striped panchax
50. 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.