Karimeen - Pearl spot fish

Pearlspot fish (Etroplus Suratensis), also known as ‘Karimeen’ in Malayalam is found in fresh and brackish water bodies, feeding on algae and insects in southern India and Sri Lanka. Usually growing to a length of 20cm (7.9in) in length and sometimes twice this size, Karimeen is considered a delicacy and found throughout Kerala, especially in the backwaters of Alleppey. Available throughout the year it is caught mainly using gillnets. Some of the popular dishes are Karemeen Fry, Karemeen Molly and Karemeen Pollichathu.