While living in Kerala, I never had to and never bothered to know the English names of all the fishes we got over there. After I moved to the US, I did spend some time searching and learning about the English names of the fishes. If you are someone new to North America or going out of Kerala, you might find this helpful. These are some of the common fishes that are found in the fish market.
If I’ve missed any fish names, do let me know. Thanks!
- Anchovy: Netholi or Kozhuva
- Asian Seabass or Barramundi: Kalanji
- Barracuda: Sheelavu
- Bigeye Scad / Selar Scad: Kannan kozhiyala
- Boal Fish: Attu Vaala / Malli
- Black Snapper: Karipetti
- Black Leather Jacket: Adu
- Black king fish: Motha, Cobia
- Butter Fish: Punnarameen
- Cat fish: Etta Koori or Mushi
- Chinese Rohu: Kayal Chemballi
- Clam Meat: Kakka
- Cobia: Motha
- Crab: Njandu
- Emperor bream- Vilameen
- Eel: Aral/Aran
- False Pomfret- Bheeman Avoli
- False Travelly: Parava
- False Pony Fish: Parava Mullan
- False Silver Biddy: Keshakkan Pranjil
- Garfish: Kola
- Giant Danio: Paral
- Grey Mullet: Thirutha
- Grouper/Reef Cod/Hamour: Kalava
- Horse Mackerel: Ayala Para
- Indian Halibut: Ayiram Palli
- Indian Scad: Vatta Kanni/Thiriyan
- King fish: Naymeen/Ayakoora
- Ladyfish: Poovan
- Leather jacket- Udupoori
- Lizard Fish: Kada Varaal
- Lobster: Konjan
- Mackerel: Ayala
- Mahi Mahi- Pulli Motha
- Milk fish: Poo Meen
- Mussel: Chippi or Kallumakaya
- Mullet: Kanni/Kanambu
- Pink Perch: Kilimeen
- Prawns: Konju or Chemmeen (small)
- Pearl Spot: Karimeen/Koral
- Pomfret: Avoli
- Red Snapper: Chempalli
- Ribbon Fish: Vaala or Thalayan
- River Sole: Vaka Varal
- Round Emperor: Unda Eari / Sheri
- Sail Fish: Ola Meen
- Salmon: Kora/Kaala
- Sardines: Chaala or Mathi
- Sea Bream- Vilmeen/Kurali
- Seer Fish: Surumai/Vanjaram
- Shark: Sravu
- Shrimp: Big konju or Chemmeen
- Shrimp Scad: Vatta Paara
- Silver Belly: Avoli Mullan
- Silver Croaker: Kora
- Silver Trevally: Kannadi Vatta
- Stingray: Thirandi
- Snake Head Fish: Varaal
- Sole Fish: Manthal
- Squid or Calamari: Kanava or Koonthal
- Sword Fish: Komban Sravu
- Threadfin Bream- Navara
- Tilapia: Thilopia
- Trevally: Vatta / Shitap / Parai
- Tuna: Choora
- Yellow Pomfret: Valavadi
- Yellowfin tuna- Kera choora
