Common Fishes Encountered In Singapore

Singapore is surrounded by water and anglers here can find a wide variety of fishes. In this section, I'll write about the more common types of fishes that an angler will encounter in his fishing trips. I shall start with the Snapper family, the Barramundi & some members of the Grouper family. Though scientific names are present, I'll try to give their names in local dialect where possible.

John's Snapper

John's Snapper (Lutjanus johnii)

This fish is called Ang Cho Ki (ACK) in Hokkien, and also referred to as One Dot Com in our technologically hyped country, owning to the prominent black dot near the tail. ACK will take live prawns and fresh squid readily and this fish always gives a good account of itself when hooked. ACK is favoured for its prime good flesh also.


Golden Snapper

Golden Snapper

This fish is more commonly encountered during offshore fishing, but once in a while, one will be hooked by the inshore angler. Large specimens do not have the black dot near the tail, unlike the ACK. Anglers call this fish the Ang Cho in Hokkien. Offshore anglers swear that if the fish is around, they will not resist a live squid.


Russell's Snapper

Russell's Snapper (Lutjanus russell)

This fish is also sometimes called the Ang Cho Ki in hokkien, but in actual fact, the anglers have mistaken the fish for the more valuable John's Snapper. This fish is known as Ikan Tanda in Malay, and rarely reaches more than 1 kg in size. Fresh prawn meat on small hooks fished near structures such as reefs, rocks and jetty pilings will get one this fish if they are around.


Mangrove Jack

Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus)

The Mangrove Jack also called the Chia Cho in Hokkien, owning to the brownish sheen on most specimens. However, those caught at deep sea often tend to a beautiful fire engine red. This fish is renowned for it's fighting capabilities, and is often targeted and revered by lure anglers.


Barramundi

Seabass/Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer)

In Malay, Barramundi is called Siakap while the Hokkien name is Kim Bak Lor, meaning "Golden-Eye Perch". The name is apt, as the eyes of the Barramundi often glows bright red under the light at night. A strong fighter, which gives many aerial displays when hooked. Live prawns and mullets are good bait to use if one wants to target them. Fillets of nice, firm flesh of this fish goes down well with many.


Orange-spotted Grouper

Orange-spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Hokkiens call this the Gao Hee, the Cantonese call it the Sek Ban and the Malays call it the Kerapu. Regardless of race or dialect, this fish is a delicacy to many. However, to fish them, one often needs more brute force than finesse as a hooked Grouper will try to dash to the nearest hole and that means lost terminal tackle to the angler. Normally if a live prawn is dangled in front of them, an almost instantaneous strike is guaranteed.  In Singapore, this fish can command up to $20 per kg. To further add on, this fish is a common catch for lure anglers.


Chocolate Hind

Chocolate Hind (Cephalopholis boenak)

This member of the grouper family is often called the Indian Grouper or the Arumugan. The Chocolate Hind seldom grows to large sizes, and a 1 kg specimen would certainly raise eyebrows. Often disliked by anglers, it has a reputation for being a bait stealer. The meat of this fish is also said to be rubbery and tasteless. If one is looking for some cheap thrill, use a pole rod and bait up with dead prawn meat and fish inshore rocky areas.


 

Four-finger Threadfin

Four-finger Threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum)

Named for the 4 fine filaments under the pectoral fin, this fish is called Ngor Hee in Hokkien and Ma Yao Yu in Cantonese. A prized catch as this fish commands a high price in the market. It is said among the Chinese that this fish is good for babies and those who are recovering from injuries. A strong fighter too, this fish is mostly caught on small baitfish and live prawns.


Diamond Trevally

Diamond Trevally (Alectis indicus)

Locally, this fish is known as Chermin in Malay and Cheo Meng and Chao Ming in Hokkien and Mandarin respectively. When taken on light tackle, this fish provides great entertainment with its long runs. Live prawns and light poundage leaders are recommended for this fish. Chermins always travel in groups and when one is hooked up, more can be expected around the vicinity.


Spotted Sicklefish

Spotted Sicklefish (Drepane punctata)

Known as Chow Xi to the Hokkiens, this fish is not a fussy eater and will take dead prawn meat and sea worms. Compared to the Batfish and Chermin, this fish fights sluggishly.


Round-faced Batfish

Round-faced Batfish (Platax teira)

Locally, this fish is known as the 'black' version of the Sicklefish, though I don't quite see the connection. This fish, in contrast to the Sicklefish, gives a very good account of itself when hooked. As for bait, a clue here, it does not take conventional baits, something made with flour would be good!


Black-spot Tuskfish

Black-spot Tuskfish (Choerodon schoenleinii)

Together with the Anchor Tuskfish (below), the Black-spot Tuskfish is collectively called Parrotfish. This fish is prized for it's palatable qualities. Small crabs and crustaceans make up it's diet.


Anchor Tuskfish (Choerodon anchorago)

Anchor Tuskfish (Choerodon anchorago)

Yet another Parrotfish, but this one comes with green bones! Also reputed to be the better eating one among the 2 featured here.


Grunter

Longhead Grunter (Pomadasys auritus)

This fish is known as Goo Hoot in Hokkien. Found in areas where the bottom is muddy, this fish takes worm bait readily. There are a few boatmen at Changi area who specializes in such fish. Though worms are the preferred bait to use when targeting them, squid and live prawns will work too.


Streaked Rabbitfish

Streaked Rabbitfish (Siganus javus)

In Cantonese, this fish is known as Lai Mang and according to seasoned anglers who brave the hot sun and pole-fish for them, the meat is very tasty and is a delicacy to go with porridge. The bait to use when targeting them is either prawn meat on tiny hooks or Belachan (Shrimp Paste) mixed with flour to make dough bait.


Queenfish

Queenfish (Scomberoides commersonianus)

Known for its aerial jumps when hooked, this fish provides great entertainment for the angler. Queenfish in excess of 4 kgs in Singapore is not a rare thing. The Chinese call this fish the Sam Poh Kong, named after the deity who is said to have left the 5 round marks on the sides of the fish when he handled the fish in the trip to the Far East. As such, most Chinese do not eat this fish, out of respect for the deity. However, in Australia, the Queenfish is considered to be good table fare. Queenfish will take live baitfish floated out, and also dead bait fished at the bottom.


Stingray

Stingray (Dasyatidae fam)

Locally, the Malays call it Pari, while the Chinese call it the Mo Gui Yu, literally meaning "Devil Fish". Large Stingrays in Singapore are not really a rare thing, and Bedok Jetty have produced a good number of big ones over the years. IMHO, the best bait for Stingrays is fresh squid.


Marine Catfish

Marine Catfish (exact species unknown)

This is one of the most common catches on rod and line in Singapore. Catfish usually move around in schools, and as seen in the picture above, squid is the best bait to catch them.


Fork-tailed Catfish

Fork-tailed Catfish (exact species unknown)

Another member of the catfish family, the Fork-tailed catfish landed usually falls in the range of 3 kg and above. Seasonal, this particular species is encountered more frequently during the end of the year.


Flathead

Flathead (exact species unknown)

The Flathead's unsightly appearance has worked to its advantage. Locals don't really eat it, and it's usually a by-catch for anglers. In Australia, the reverse is true. The meat is claimed to be firm and succulent.


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