Local names:
Malay: Kurau
Hokkien/Teochew: Ngoh her kia
Mandarin: 午鱼仔
The Hokkien/Teochew and Mandarin names translate to baby threadfin because this threadfin species is a lot smaller than the other two commonly sold species.
Fisheries information:
Countries of origin: Indonesia, Malaysia
Fishing methods: Gill nets (Indonesia)
Culinary usage:
Fried
This small threadfin is not commonly available on the market and might be a seasonal species. From asking fishmongers, it seems that this species is more commonly shallow or deep-fried.
A plate of blackspot threadfins at Tekka market.
How to identify:
Looks like a miniature version of the other larger threadfin species. It has a distinctive black blotch just behind the head. When examined closely, it has six threads (pectoral filaments) under its pectoral fins.