Common sea Fish available at Fish shops in Trivandrum

 

Navara Fish

Ayila

Avoili ( Pomfret)

sear fish ( Ney meen)

common sea fish found in Trivandrum and coastal Kerala:

 1. Mathi / Sardine

A true Kerala favourite! Mathi (sardine) is loved for its rich flavour and is often prepared as spicy fish curry, fry, or mathi peera. Affordable, tasty and packed with flavour, it is a regular on many Kerala dining tables.

 2. Ayala / Indian Mackerel

Ayala (mackerel) is one of the most popular fish in Kerala. Its slightly oily, flavourful flesh makes it perfect for Kerala-style fish curry, masala fry or a simple pan fry with spices.

3. Neymeen / Kingfish

Known as Neymeen in Kerala, kingfish is prized for its firm, meaty texture and fewer small bones. It is excellent for grilling, frying and the classic Kerala red fish curry.

 4. Avoli / Pomfret

Avoli (pomfret) is a popular choice when you want a delicate, mild-flavoured fish. It can be fried with Kerala spices, grilled or cooked in a coconut-based curry.

 5. Choora / Tuna

Choora (tuna) is widely available along Kerala's coast. Its firm meat works beautifully in spicy Kerala preparations, including tuna curry and choora thoran.

 6. Karimeen / Pearl Spot

Although Karimeen is mainly a backwater/brackish-water fish rather than a true sea fish, it deserves a place in any Kerala fish list. Famous as Karimeen Pollichathu, it is one of Kerala's iconic fish dishes.

7. Chala / Oil Sardine

Chala, often referring to oil sardine, is another everyday favourite. It is particularly good with Kerala's fiery red chilli-based preparations and pairs wonderfully with rice and kappa.

8. Vatta / Queenfish

Vatta is a popular local fish with firm flesh and a pleasant flavour. It is commonly prepared as a spicy fry or Kerala-style curry and is a good choice for those who enjoy meaty fish.

 9. Kallumakkaya / Mussels

Not a fish, but an important part of Kerala's coastal seafood culture. Kallumakkaya is used in curries, stir-fries and the famous kallumakkaya nirachathu (stuffed mussels).

 10. Netholi / Anchovy

Small but full of flavour, Netholi (anchovy) is especially popular fried until crisp or cooked with coconut in a traditional Kerala preparation. It's one of those humble fish that can make a simple meal memorable.

Kerala's seafood culture is wonderfully diverse: from everyday mathi and ayala to prized neymeen and avoli, the local fish market offers something for almost every taste and budget.