Fish Names in Urdu and English

Fish names in Pakistan change from market to market, and the English name is often harder to find than the Urdu one. So what is kala rohu fish in English? It is black rohu, also known as orangefin labeo. This guide gives you the kala rohu fish in English answer, the English names for jhinga, palla and rawas, and a quick Urdu and English table you can use at the market or in Karachi restaurants.

Kala Rohu Fish in English: Meet the Black Rohu

Kala rohu is called black rohu in English. Its other common English name is orangefin labeo, and its scientific name is Labeo calbasu. The word kala simply means black, which matches the fish’s dark body.

It looks similar to ordinary rohu, but its body and fins are blackish. The mouth sits on the underside of the head, which suits a bottom feeder that eats plants, crustaceans and insect larvae. Black rohu can grow to around 90 cm and lives in rivers across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.

It is also a popular food and game fish. Look for two pairs of small black barbels near the mouth, which help separate it from other carps. In parts of its range the population has declined, and it has been listed as a threatened fish there, so it is worth knowing exactly which fish you are buying.

Do not confuse it with common rohu (Labeo rohita), which is a different species. For the full story on the better known fish, read our guide to rohu fish: things you should know.

Name of Fishes in Urdu and English: Quick Reference

Use this table as a handy name of fishes cheat sheet. It covers common freshwater fish names and the sea fish you will meet when you look up fish names in Karachi markets.

Names such as surmai, rawas, palla and pomfret have long been used for fish landed in Karachi waters, so they are the ones to learn first. For a longer list of river species, see our ultimate freshwater fish list, and for the bigger picture read about fish types in Pakistan and their importance.

Sea fish such as surmai, rawas and pomfret come from the coast, while rohu, kala rohu and singhara live in rivers and ponds. Palla sits in between, because it ascends the Indus from the sea. Knowing which group a fish belongs to makes the names much easier to remember.

One practical tip: names vary by region, so a seller in one city may use a different word from a seller in another. If the name is unclear, check the fish itself. Black rohu has a dark body and an underside mouth, while palla is a fleshy, silver skinned fish.

Jhinga, Palla and Rawas: What They Are Called in English

Jhinga. Jhinga fish in English is prawn or shrimp. Strictly speaking, jhinga is not a fish at all but a crustacean. Our guide to jhinga fish recipes, benefits and drying shows how it is used.

Palla. Palla is hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), called pallo in Sindhi. In Pakistan the fish ascends the Indus from the Arabian Sea, and most hilsa is caught in the Indus delta in Sindh. It is widely prized, although fishermen report that catches have fallen in recent years. Read more in our hilsa fish, ilish and palla fish guide.

Rawas. Rawas is sold as Indian salmon, and its scientific name is Eleutheronema tetradactylum, the fourfinger threadfin. Despite the name, it is not a true salmon. See rawas fish benefits, taste, recipes and price for details.

Singhara. Singhara is the giant river catfish (Sperata seenghala), one of the largest catfish native to Pakistan’s rivers. Learn why it is a favourite in our singhara fish, the flavorful catch post.

Fish Names FAQs

What is kala rohu called in English?

Kala rohu is called black rohu or orangefin labeo in English. Its scientific name is Labeo calbasu.

What is jhinga fish in English?

Jhinga is prawn or shrimp in English. It is a crustacean, not a true fish.

What is palla fish in English?

Palla fish is hilsa in English (Tenualosa ilisha). It is called pallo in Sindhi and is caught mainly in the Indus delta in Sindh.

What is rawas fish called in English?

Rawas is called Indian salmon in English. It is a threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) and not a true salmon.

What are common fish names in Urdu and English?

Common pairs are kala rohu (black rohu), singhara (giant river catfish), palla (hilsa), jhinga (prawn or shrimp), rawas (Indian salmon), surmai (seer fish) and paplet (pomfret). See the table above for the Urdu script.

Conclusion

Now you know the kala rohu fish in English answer: black rohu, or orangefin labeo. Keep the table handy for your next market visit, and keep exploring with our guide to fish types in Pakistan and their importance to learn the species behind every name.