Milkfish

A large, fast-swimming fish with a deeply forked tail and a silvery sheen. Milkfish are herbivorous and inhabit open coastal waters and mangrove areas. Known locally as Aifa, they are commercially important and widely farmed across Asia. Juvenile milkfish use mangroves as nursery habitats.

Species Stats

Diet

Algae, detritus, zooplankton

Habitat

Open coastal and offshore waters, mangroves

Local Name (Arabic)

عيفة

Fun Facts

• 1

  One of the most widely farmed fish species in the world, particularly in Southeast Asia.

• 2

  Juveniles (fry) use UAE mangrove systems as nursery habitats.

• 3

  Despite being primarily herbivorous, can reach impressive sizes exceeding 1.8 metres.

Found In