No More Confusion Over Fish Names - Complete Fish Guide
Indian Fish Names with Health Tips, Selction and Cooking Guide
Whether you are cooking at home or shopping for fish abroad, it can be confusing to match Indian fish names in English, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Hindi, Odia, Assamese Konkani, Bengali or as an expact living in GCC like UAE, US, Australia where the local or trade name are very different. This guide provides a complete list of commonly used Indian fish names, along with scientific names, health tips, and pictures. Perfect for Indian expats and anyone who loves cooking Indian seafood dishes.
How to Use This Guide
- Search for the fish name using Ctrl+F or search option (or your browser's find) to quickly locate it in the table.
FOR MORE DETAILED GUIDE WITH IMAGES / PICTURES IN HD --> Click here - Check the health tips column if you are choosing fish for heart, liver, or general nutrition.
- Use the pictures and scientific names to avoid confusion when buying fish abroad.
Complete List of Indian Fish Names and Regional Names (Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Assamese, Hindi, Konkani, Marathi + Arabic fish local names )
| Common Name | Regional Names | Scientific Name | Health Tips / Cooking Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohu | Rui (Hindi/Bengali), Ravu (Tamil), Ravu (Malayalam) | Labeo rohita | Freshwater carp — lean protein; popular in curries. |
| Catla | Katla (Hindi), Katla (Bengali), Vala (Tamil) | Catla catla | Large freshwater fish — firm fillets, high in protein. |
| Hilsa | Ilish / Ilisha (Bengali), Ilish (Hindi) | Tenualosa ilisha | Fatty fish rich in omega-3 — excellent for heart health. |
| Indian mackerel | Bangda (Hindi/Marathi), Aiyla (Malayalam) | Rastrelliger kanagurta | Oily fish — good omega-3; ideal for grilling or curry. |
| Pomfret (White) | Paplet (Hindi), Vala (Tamil) | Pampus argenteus | Delicate texture — shallow fry or steam. |
| Pomfret (Black) | Paplet / Parai (regional) | Parastromateus niger | Firm texture — shallow fry or curry. |
| Seer Fish / Kingfish | Surmai (Hindi/Marathi) | Scomberomorus commerson | Meaty and slightly oily — perfect for frying or grilling. |
| Salmon | Salmon | Oncorhynchus / Salmo spp. | High in omega-3 — heart-friendly; often imported. |
| Barramundi / Bhetki | Bhetki (Bengali), Barramundi | Lates calcarifer | Firm, mild fish — versatile for curries or grilling. |
| Tilapia | Tilapia | Oreochromis niloticus | Mild white fish — affordable, easy to cook. |
| Bombay Duck | Bombil (Maharashtra) | Harpadon nehereus | Thin, delicate flesh — usually fried. |
| Anchovy | Mathi (regional) | Stolephorus spp. | Small oily fish — used in curries and dried preparations. |
| Pangasius / Basa | Basa / Pangasius | Pangasius bocourti | Farmed white fish — affordable fillets. |
Storage and Health Tips
- Store fish below 4°C; use within 1–2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Look for bright eyes, firm flesh, and mild smell to ensure freshness.
- Small fish like sardines and anchovies are low in mercury — safer for children and pregnant women.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
How can I identify the correct fish in the market?
The best way is to compare pictures, scientific names and local names together. This guide helps match fish visually and linguistically to avoid mistakes.
Which fish are best for heart health and Fatty liver ?
Fatty fish like mackerel, sardines, salmon, and Hilsa are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and support heart health.
How can I find the Hindi name for a fish?
Check the table above — it lists English names alongside common Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali names.
Which fish are low in mercury?
Small fish like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel generally have lower mercury content.
How do I tell if fish is fresh?
Fresh fish have clear eyes, firm flesh, shiny skin, and a mild sea smell.
Can I substitute one fish for another in recipes?
Yes — choose a fish with similar texture and fat content. Example: use Barramundi instead of Pomfret in a curry.
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- How to Identify Fish Fraud with Fish Mongers and at Restraunts
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