An elongated, predatory cutlassfish found in tropical and temperate seas worldwide. Indian anglers target it for its spirited fight and commercial value in coastal waters. It is also known as வாளை, चिरई, చేపలు and കരിമീൻ. Scientific name: Trichiurus lepturus.
Live lots change through the day. See all live lots
Mild, slightly sweet white flesh with a delicate texture; prized in coastal markets for its clean flavour and versatility in cooking.
Single central backbone with few small bones; easy to fillet and debone, making it popular for frying and curries.
In our species guide, the main season for Ribbonfish is October to March.
In November, our outlook shows it in season around Chennai, Digha, Goa, Kochi, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam.
Annual sea fishing bans: East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul). Fewer boats land fresh sea fish during these weeks.
Tamil: வாளை, Hindi: चिरई, Telugu: చేపలు, Malayalam: കരിമീൻ, Kannada: ಕತ್ತೆ, Bengali: চিরা, Marathi: चिरा, Gujarati: ચીરો.
In our species guide, the main season for Ribbonfish is October to March. In November, our outlook shows it in season around Chennai, Digha, Goa, Kochi, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam.
Mild, slightly sweet white flesh with a delicate texture; prized in coastal markets for its clean flavour and versatility in cooking. Single central backbone with few small bones; easy to fillet and debone, making it popular for frying and curries.
Popular dishes include Vaalai Meen Varuval (Tamil Nadu), Chira Fry (Maharashtra and Gujarat), Karimeen Pollichathu (Kerala) and Chira Machher Jhol (West Bengal).
On the Fishing Journey Fish Market, FSSAI-registered sellers list fresh catch as lots. Bid up to your maximum or use Buy now where it is offered, pay from your wallet within 2 hours of winning and collect the fish with your pickup code.
Mechanised and motorised boats stop fishing at sea during the annual bans (East coast annual fishing ban (15 Apr – 14 Jun); West coast monsoon fishing ban (1 Jun – 31 Jul)), so less fresh sea fish is landed in those weeks. Check the Fish Market for live lots.
Ribbonfish fishing guide: bait, season and spots
