DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
Confused over-fish-names
1. Page 1 of 70
When I moved from India, I found it very difficult to identify the fishes in the local market.
In India I knew the local name of most fishes but in a foreign land it was difficult to select
some. I was totally confused.All fish looked the same :) So I just referred to some fish
related sites to get the local names and their english names along with pictures( a picture
says a thousand words) so that one can identify the fishes easily with no further confusion.
So no more confusion. The fish glossary contains fish name translation in Malayalam,
Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, konkani, bengali, marthi and Arabic names form the UAE and gulf
market and some name in sindhi and balochi languages. You can check the reference at the
bottom of the blog for malaysian, Singapore and Pinoy names for the fishes. Help me
correct, if I have written any names wrong. Before going to the fish glossary , lets check the
how to select a fresh fish and for Good Seafood Recipes check this page:
'The freshness Factor - How to buy Fresh Fish'
REDGILL DELIGHT
Bright scarlet gills/bright pink or red on a fish mean it’s freshly caught. A dull color is old
fish. A red dye is often applied to the gills to make appear fresh , so beware
FIRMNESS TEST
Softness/mushy means fish is old, a hard form means freshness. Finger tips shouldn't leave an
impression . Old Fishes are sometimes frozen to make it hard, to misled people
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SNIFF TEST
Rotten fish have foul Smell. While selling in heaps rotten fishes are often mixed with fresh
ones
TEXTURE AND SHINE
The skin should be shiny and moist. No brown Spots. It shows the sign of decay. must have
an appearance of a live fish. A dull looking fish means OLD
COLOUR OF THE SLICES
When buying fillets look for neat, trim fillets with white translucent appearance
EYE TEST
Look for CLEAR bright,glossy and dark eyes and sunken,red or cloudy white eyes are real
no-no
FOR CRABS & LOBSTERS
Fresh crabs and lobsters should be lively and frisky.Should be heavy for their size
SHELL FISH
Select shell fish tightly closed without any gaps/cracks
AROMA OF COOKED FISH
Fresh fish when cooked have a rich aroma, if fried or grilled the inside flesh would be bright
white
For more details you can refer this site
Lets have a look at the Glossary with fish names in different languages.
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3. Page 3 of 70
FISH GLOSSARY
(For a bigger view of the images please click on the respective image)
Anchovy
Malayalam: Nethili, Kozhuva, Natholi, Netha , Nathal
Tamil: Nethali, Nethili, Thogai meen
Telugu: Nethallu, poorava ,Kelba, Poravallu
Kannada: Bolingei Kollathuru
Other: Capsali Mandli(konkani) Phasa, Phansa(bengali)Purasa, Churali Patua, Dinasi,
motyala, Enaga, Onaga, Phansi
Arabic: Barriya,
Phyasa, padni(in pakistan)
Anchovy is distinguished from smelt by the wide mouth and long eyes and relative position
of fins with dorsal wholly behind
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8. Page 8 of 70
Clam
Malayalam: Kakka, Eninthti, Kakka matti
Tamil: Kilinjal, Matti(Vjtlia), inatti ,vari Matti, Panja matti, Vazhi, vazhukkumatti,
Chippi(sometimes)
Other: Tisre, Khubbe, Tisrio, Teesrya
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9. Page 9 of 70
Cod
Malayalam: Mullan, Sarghan, Chemmun, panna Mahi mahi
Tamil: Panna, Kalava
Other: Gobro(konkan), Kallmurya
Also check in Grouper
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16. Page 16 of 70
Fin Bream ( Japanese threadfin bream, Goldband, Pink perch)
Malayalam: Navara, Kellimeen, Killimeen, Chengavaal, chennavira, henvaara,puthiyappalla
kora
Tamil: Navara, Sennagarai, Navarei, karuppu Mattavan,Changarah, Kandal meen, thullu
kendai
Kannada: Mudumagalu, madmal,madumagala
Telugu: chalaneera kanti, sallenganti
Other: Ruppan(bengali)Rain(gujarati)Rani(Marathi),rano krisi, bammi,
Arabic: sultan Ibrahim, hemamah, hamarah,bassi, abu sena
Katti, kolonto(in pakistan)
To view other Breams - Click here
THREADFIN BREAM
Threadfin bream a perch like fish that is found in coastal Asian waters. It is called a threadfin
because of the filaments that hang from its tail.
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17. Page 17 of 70
Finletted Mackerel
See Horse Mackerel:
The torpedo scad, Megalaspis cordyla (also known as the hardtail scad, finny scad, finletted
mackerel scad and cordyla scad), is a species of moderately large marine fish classified in the
jack and horse mackerel family
Finned bulleye
Malayalam: Unnimary, chuvana, chenvara
Tamil: Cheena Varai, Kakkasi
Kannada: Disco menu
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18. Page 18 of 70
Flying Fish
Malyalam: kolal paravai, kola,baravi, Khola
Tamil: parava, Para Kola, Kola, Paravai Kola
Kannada: Parava menu
Thuri, Jirri(in pakistan)
Garfish
Malayalam: Kola Meen, Kolaan,
Karu thonamkunhi, Mural, kolan,
Kokki(freshwater)
Tamil: Kola, Mural, Kokkimeen,
Vellai murrel, morel
Kannada: Kokkare, konti
Other: Kaikka,Kankely(bengali),
tokali(Marathi) Kande toe, havu
menu, tole
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19. Page 19 of 70
Goatfish
Malayalam: manakkam
Tamil: nagarai, navarai, kal nakharai, kulnaven
Telugu: Rahtee goolivinda
Kannada: Kurli, Purli
Arabic: hedie hammer,alu tamrah, hidi, Sultan ibrahim,kasarmala
Manori, kolonto(in Pakistan)
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26. Page 26 of 70
Indian Scad
Malayalam: Kozhiyala, Thiriyan,Vatta Kanni or Vattankanni(Big eye scad)
Tamil: Parai/Paarai. Kumara parai, Kilichai
Kannada: thidumpu
Arabic: Jinnis, Sima
Seem(in pakistan)
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27. Page 27 of 70
Different Type of scad:
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28. Page 28 of 70
Jewfish(Ghol, croaker)
Malayalam: Kora, Manham, pallikora, Maham
Tamil: Kathalai, Panna, kopayen, Vari Kathalai,vanakathal,vellai kathalai, Kora
Telugu: pullipanna,gorasa,tella,katchelu,goraka
Kannada: Ghoti
Others: Bara Poa, Lambu(bengali)dodyaro(konkani)Poma, Goli, Balvi, Dodi, Dantya,Bengal
corvine, vella jaltelle,karoos katlellr,bola
Arabic: Nagroor,shimahi
Mushka, chan, boro, tont(in Pakistan)
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29. Page 29 of 70
King Fish (some places its called Butter fish)
(For a bigger, better view click on the images)
Malyalam: Motha, kuluval mothai, kadal viral, mottah (some people call it neimeen , but
neimeen is SEER fish)
Tamil: vajaram, kadal viral,batang,kuluval, Kadavara, Kadal-viral,Cuddul-verarl,Cuddal-
verarl
Telugu: Vajaram, Peddah-mottah
Kannada: surmai
Other: surmai,visonu, viswon , Modasa (Gujarati) Madusa ,Muddus,sakla, Sakala (Marathi)
Sanghta, Aangh, Sanglor(in Pakistan – sindhi and balochi), Cobia(Black King fish)
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30. Page 30 of 70
Allied kingfish/Amberjack ( Seriola dumerili )
Malayalam: Punnara Meen, Punnaara
Arabic: Hamam,Halwayo,Inch,Intias,Intyâs,Jibb,Sholah,Tsola
English: Allied kingfish, Amberjack, Great amberfish, Great yellowtail, Greater amberjack,
Greater amberjack (German: Grosse Bernsteinmakrele) , Greater yellowtail, jenny lind,
purplish amberjack, Rock salmon,Sailor's choice,Samson fish, Yellow tail
Leatherskin (Queenfish)
Malayalam: Leather, koda
Tamil: Theera, Katta, Tol Para
Kannada: Palai-meenu
Arabic:Alsain,lihlah,Zelaa, Bassardareb
Aal, Saram,(in pakistan)
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31. Page 31 of 70
Little tunny/ Letti (refer TUNA)
Lizard fish
Malaylam: Arranna
Tamil: Thumbili, thanni panna
Telugu: Cade mottah
Kannada: Aranai meenu
Arabic: Macarona, Abu al leban, baram
Koniari, bombala(in pakistan)
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32. Page 32 of 70
Lobster
Malayalam: Konjan
Tamil: Singi Raal, Kalral, Singi Erali, Maaku Eral, Kal eral
Kannada: konju
Kikat, kikka(Pakistan)
Arabic: Kufea, shurkh al amaaq
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33. Page 33 of 70
Mackerel
Malayalam: Ayala, Aila
Tamil: kanangeluthi, Kana Kayuthai, kanaam, keluthi aila,Kumla, Augalai, Ailai,
Kanangeluthi
Kannada: Bangde,Banguda, Telbangade
Telugu: Kannangadatha,kanagarthalu
Others: Bangda, Bangdo, Bangade,
Arabic: Basha, garfa,bagha
Srmai,surmaya, bangra(Pakistan)
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34. Page 34 of 70
Malabar Leaf fish
Malayalam: Panna karimeen,Karipidi, Chuttichi
Malabar thryssa/Malabar Anchovy
Malayalam: Manangu, Manang, Thryssa purava
Tamil: poruva, poorava, Nedum poruva
Kannada: Tharave, Larrae manangu
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35. Page 35 of 70
Malabar Trevally
Malayalam: Paara
Tamil: Paarai, Thol Parai
Kannada: Kodavai, Bonke, Long fin trevally- Bonke koduvai
Arabic: Rabeeb, Sal, Jash, glaaef
Bangra, kakkar,pattar(in Pakistan)
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36. Page 36 of 70
Mangrove Jack( Common
name for Mangrove red snapper)
Malayalam: Kalavayan
Tamil: Seppilli, Vekkattai, Thokkal,
Pullikarayan Noolani
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38. Page 38 of 70
Moonfish
Malayalam: Ambattan Para
Tamil: Kannadi Karel, Amattikatti, Ambattan para
Kannada: Hakkimeen
Gujarathi: Vaniani
Arabic: Halwayou
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41. Page 41 of 70
Malayalam: Thiruta, maalan , Mallan, grey mullet-Thirutha, Red mullet - Kanambu
Tamil: Madavai kendai, Saala(small), Kavyangalu, velisa, Surada, madavakandai,
Chiryakandai, Cheluva kandai, Gejameena kendai
Telugu: Koniga,bonthaparigi, Bontha Chepa, Kathiparego
Kannada: Male, Mala, Malu, Pare
Others: Bhangan(bengali)Hunra(in UP and bihar), Bol (in mumbai)Andawai, Boil, Parshey,
shev , tali,manakai, Bata, chiryakandai,
Arabic: Biyah, maid, biah,wagena, arabi , (Red mullet: sultan Ibrahim)
Boi, meengh,tagan,mori, chhodi, pharra, murbo, mundi(in Pakistan)
Red Mullet and Indian Goatfish Difference
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42. Page 42 of 70
Red mullet and Indian goatfish (Parupeneus indicus) are often confused. The red mullets or
surmullets are two species of goatfish, Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus, found in the
Mediterranean Sea, east North Atlantic Ocean, and the Black Sea.They are both favored
delicacies in the Mediterranean, and in antiquity were "one of the most famous and valued
fish".[Wiki]
Red mullet has a distinctive set of 4-5 broad, dark brown bands on the body.For a clear view
check the picture with the close up of 2 mullets.Red mullet have a alternating blue and yellow
lines on the head and snout, pink chin barbels with yellow tips, and blue spots in lines along
the body.The red mullet is expensive since it tastes good and is easy to clean & bone.
Murrel (Striped snakehead; banded snakehead; common snakehead, Channa Striata)
(a freshwater fish variety known for its medicinal properties)
Malayalam: Korava,Manathu kannan, Vatton, Vattudi
Tamil: Viraal, viral meen, koravai, pothi meenp
Telugu: Erramatta, mottu, mohkorava, thunda, korava
Other: Cheng (Bengali)daku(Marathi) haal, shawl, shol (Assam),Ikan aruan, haruan, ruan,
tomam paya (Malaysia),
Soali (Pakistan)
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43. Page 43 of 70
Mussels
Malayalam: kadukka, kallummakkaya, kallumakkai,kakka,kadiika, kadalkai, kalliimakai,
nilakakka
Tamil: aazhi, matti,Kallikai, Pachaiali, pachchai ali, chippi
Other:pacile, Ajeer, chippi
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44. Page 44 of 70
Oyster
Malayalam: Kakka, miriuga, Muni
Tamil: Sippy, Sippi,niuthlut chippi,muthu sippi–empty oysrer-sippi, live oyster-kavaddi
Other:kalawan, mukta jhinuk, moti simp
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45. Page 45 of 70
Parrot fish
Malayalam: Pacha pheesam, kizhi meen, keli meen, kolimeen
Tamil: Pachai elimeen
Kannada: Gili meenu
Arabic: Hareed, Gain, durah
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46. Page 46 of 70
Pearl spot/green chromide
Malayalam: karimeen, Erimeen
Tamil: pattai, Seththa Kendai, Palincha, Karassar
Telugu: Cashimera
Others: Karimeen, kaagalsi,kaleram kagalsi, ( kalundar-in konkani), Putulkas
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49. Page 49 of 70
Prawns/shrimp
Malayalam: Konch, chemmeen,
Konj
Tamil: Eral, Eraal, ira
Kannada: Boli etti, etti
Other:
Royyalu(Tl) jhinga,
chingri,sungat,Chaha,harina,bagda,
Kalri, madak, jaira, lassa(pakistan)
Arabic: gambari
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN A PRAWN AND A
SHRIMP?
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50. Page 50 of 70
Rabbit fish
Arabic: safi, sunafi, oran, kalloron
Kakina,mahparri(in Pakistan)
Rayfish
Malayalam: kottiva, Therandi, Tirandi,
therandi
Tamil: thirukkai,
Telugu: Teki, belugiri,Tenku
Other: thorake(Kananda)
Waghole(konkani), Shaplapata,
Haush(Bengali)waghla, thirukkai
Pittan(pakistan)
Arabic-Luchmah,abu-safan
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51. Page 51 of 70
Red Snapper(Mangrove red snapper, river snapper, Jobfish)
Malayalam: Pahari, Chemballi murumeen(black spot snapper)
Tamil: Sankara, Parithi vela meen, Sudhati, pulariam,sep pilli, Cheppilli,
Chenganni,Thokkal,kalavai, Karuvalai, kondal, Seppilli/Noolani(Malabar Red snapper)
Kannada: Chemballi
Telugu: Thundava, Rangu, Kaliviya, Korameemu
Other:Rane, Ranga,choukya, Thamoshi(Konkani),Ratado(Guj)
Arabic:Hamra(red snapper), Neisarah (blackspot) yezak(jobfish) Umm al durais, kaleb,
mergan
Hira, hiro, kunla, kanalcha(in Pakistan)
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52. Page 52 of 70
Ribbon fish/belt fish/Hairtail
Malayalam: Vaala, Thalayan, vala (boal- fresh water –attu valai)
Tamil: Vaalai,Bale, Savalai,Valai, vazhi meen (boal- fresh water –wallah)
Kannada: Pambole ,Hanbole,Saalai, pambol
Telugu: Savallu
Other: Chhuri mach, churi (Bengali)Kamble, Hambli, Baale(konkani)
Talwar, tinji, chindi(Pakistan)
Arabic:salsool, humalan
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66. Page 66 of 70
A halibut is a type of flatfish from the family of the right-eye flatfish
The Turbot is a left-eyed flatfish
Vela
Malayalam: velavu,vella para
Tamil: vela meen
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67. Page 67 of 70
Wahoo
Malayalam: Ayakoora
Ghore, gore, yahoo(in Pakistan)
White fish/false trevally
(For image refer Malabar Trevally)
Malayalam: parava, Kuthuppu,
Paravas, Kadu
Tamil: neer suthumbu, sudumhu,
Guthippu
Telugu: Sadumi
Bukko, chilanker(in pakistan)
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68. Page 68 of 70
Whiting/ Indian whiting/lady fish/sillago
Malayalam: poozhan,noongal, poovan, nangol, cudeerah
Tamil: kilangan, kelangan,kilachi, kelakkan
kannada: Kane, nogli
O :kisu fish,mudoshi (Konkani), Tular dandi(lady fish) kane, nogli, murdosh, kilanganan
Viat, Mushk, Bhambor, Hashoor(in pakistan)
Arabic: hassom
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69. Page 69 of 70
Yellowfin tuna
Malayalam: valliya chura, poovan choora
Tamil: keerai
Kannada: Kedar, Sooral menu
Arabic: gaider, thamad
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70. Page 70 of 70
Reference:
www.mpeda.com/
www.fishbase.net/
zipcodezoo.com/
www.biosearch.in/
www.eol.org/
fishinfo.siffs.in/main/index.php (Maalayalam and tamil)
fishesinkerala.blogspot.com/ (names in malayalam)
risikan.lkim.gov.my/ikan/Spesisikan.htm (Malaysian Market)
habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/marinefish/picslist.htm (Singapore)
parisaramahiti.kar.nic.in (Karnataka fisheries)
www.stuartxchange.org/FishNames.html (Philippine )
www.uae.gov.ae/uaeagricent/fisheries/photo_fish_en.stm (For UAE MARKET)
http://www.enhg.org/alain/phil/fish/fish.htm
www.saudi-fisheries.com/EN/Company/Products/ (Saudi Arabian Market)
www.ycfml.com/yemenfish.htm (Yemen)
www.omanfisheries.com/ (Oman)
www.agri-history.org/pdf/fish_article.pdf (In sanskrit)
http://fishindex.blogspot.com/2009/04/convict-cichlid-amatitlania.html
http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/fishery/commercial%20fish_india.pdf
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Give a little thought - The secret of being miserable is to have the leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not - Dale Carnegie
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