Moonfish (Chandni)
Note: The price and fees mentioned above refer to the fish before cleaning or cutting. The final weight of the fish delivered will depend on the cleaning style you choose.
Rs 900 / kg
Minimum order: 2 kg
Quantity (kg)
Subtotal: Rs 1,800
About Moonfish (Chandni)
Introduction
Chandni Fish, also called Moonfish, is one of those tiny coastal fish that people absolutely love frying at home. Small size, soft meat, and very quick to cook. Nothing complicated about it. Just fresh fish and a hot pan and you are already halfway there.
When it hits the pan with a little oil, salt, turmeric, and chili, it crisps up beautifully. The outside turns golden and slightly crunchy while the inside stays soft and juicy. That smell alone usually makes everyone in the house suddenly hungry.
Because the fish is small, people often cook it whole. Quick fry, maybe a squeeze of lemon, maybe a little garlic or green chili on the side. Simple food but very satisfying.
Some people also cook it in light coastal curries. The fish absorbs the spices fast and still keeps its natural flavor. With hot rice it becomes one of those meals you end up eating more than you planned.
Flavor Profile
Soft delicate white meat feels tender and easy to enjoy every bite. Mild seafood flavor comes through with a slight natural sweetness. Crisps nicely when fried whole giving a subtle golden outside. Inside stays juicy, tender, and soft without drying out. Absorbs turmeric, chili, garlic, and lemon easily without losing taste. Light flavor overall works really well in simple home cooking.
Terminology
- English Name: Moonfish
- Local Name: Chandni Fish
- Scientific Name: Mene maculata
Nutritive Value
- High quality protein
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin B12 for energy
- Vitamin D for bone health
- Selenium and trace minerals
- Naturally low in saturated fat
Health Benefits
- Supports heart health
- Helps brain function and memory
- Good protein for muscle repair
- Supports immune system
- Helps maintain healthy skin and hair
- Light seafood option for balanced meals
Health Precautions
- Saltwater fish may contain small traces of mercury
- Safe when eaten in moderate portions
- Children should eat smaller servings
- Pregnant individuals should follow seafood intake guidelines
- Always cook fish thoroughly before consumption
Overview
- Habitat: Coastal waters and shallow seas
- Catching Method: Net fishing
- Physical Attributes: Thin, flat, shiny body with delicate flesh
- Colour & Size: Silvery bright body, usually 50 to 150 grams per fish
Expected Yields
- Whole fish: 100%
- Cleaned and gutted: 80%
- Headless and gutted: 65%
- Small fry pieces: 70%
- Boneless yields lower due to the small fish size
Preferred Cuts
- Whole cleaned fish for frying
- Small curry pieces
- Lightly trimmed fry fish
- Best enjoyed whole because of its small size
Preferred Cooking Methods
- Shallow fry until crisp and golden
- Pan fry with turmeric and chili
- Light coastal curry with garlic and spices
- Quick masala fry with lemon
- Crispy whole fish fry with simple seasoning
Health Properties
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Helps maintain strong bones
- Supports immune health
- Helps maintain healthy metabolism
- Contributes to skin and hair health