Milkfish Chanos chanos

The Milkfish is native to shallow, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the only species in its genus and family.

Silver fish, they typically reach a metre long but can reach 1.8 metres. Juveniles live in coral reefs and mangroves; adults in the open ocean.

The shape of the body and fins is very like the Tarpon, for which it is sometimes mistaken, especially since it also enters estuaries and even rivers.

The mouth is much smaller than that of the Tarpon. Diet is algae, larvae and small invertebrates. It is a popular food fish in Asia.