Milkfish
Chanos chanos · KAH-nos KAH-nos
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleFriendly
Superpower
Tolerates fresh, brackish and salt water, which makes it perfect for fish farming.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 100 cm, up to 180 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Depth
- 1–30 m
Habitat
Coastal seas, mangroves and brackish estuaries; widely farmed.
Diet
Algae, tiny invertebrates and plankton.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 8/10.
How to cook: Grilled (inihaw), fried, or as boneless 'bangus' — the Philippine national fish.
Fun facts
- Bangus is the national fish of the Philippines.
- It is famously bony, so it is often sold deboned.
- Milkfish farming is a huge industry across Southeast Asia.