White Sardine (Mithoo)

White Sardine (Mithoo), locally known as Mithoo, and scientifically named Scualosa thoracata, is a tiny, translucent fish species found in the Arabian Sea. With a size typically ranging from 3 to 5 inches, it’s among the smallest seafood options available and is often consumed whole—head, tail, and bones—due to its delicate texture and fine structure.

Its mild taste and ease of preparation make it popular in coastal households, where it is used in a variety of dishes such as light curries, dry fry, or deep-fried crispy snacks. At Wholesome Seafood, we deliver carefully handled, clean, and fresh White sardines for home use in traditional and everyday recipes.

White Sardine (Mithoo) has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a soft texture and very tiny bones that become crispy when fried. The taste is subtle and pairs well with both spicy and simple preparations, making it versatile for daily meals or side dishes.

Taxonomy & Identification

English Name: White Sardine
Local Name (Urdu): Mithoo (مٹھو)
Scientific Name: Scualosa thoracata
Family: Clupeidae
Order: Clupeiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Phylum: Chordata

White Sardine (Mithoo) is found in shallow, coastal waters and estuarine zones of the Arabian Sea. In Pakistan, it is caught in abundance near Karachi’s shoreline, especially during specific fishing seasons when small schooling fish migrate close to the coast.

Catching Method

At Wholesome Seafood, White Sardine (Mithoo) is caught using fine-mesh coastal nets designed specifically for small fish. The catch is rapidly chilled and cleaned to maintain freshness, as the tiny size makes it highly perishable if not handled properly.

White Sardine (Mithoo) is 3 to 5 inches in length, featuring a translucent silver body, almost see-through in appearance. It has very fine bones, no noticeable scales, and is typically cooked and consumed whole due to its miniature size and soft bone structure.

Size

We offer fresh White Sardine (Mithoo) in small whole sizes ranging between 3 to 5 inches per fish, typically sold in bulk by weight (not by count), ideal for household use.

Cleaning Preference

Due to its small size, they are best cooked whole and do not require cutting, filleting, or gutting. Most customers use it directly after a light rinse and optional trimming of fins.

White Sardine (Mithoo) is best deep-fried, pan-fried, or added whole to curries and stir-fries. It crisps beautifully when fried and can be served as a crunchy snack, side dish, or with daal and rice. Many also use it in masala dry fry or light tomato-based gravies.

Health Benefits

Though small, they are rich in calcium, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids due to its edible bones and marine fat. It supports bone health, heart function, and energy metabolism, especially when consumed whole. It’s a budget-friendly and nutrient-dense seafood choice. Read more about  eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation because they offer a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits

Explore more small fish options with edible bones similar to White Sardine (Mithoo) at Wholesome Seafood:

Indian Oil Sardine (Luar)
Silver Sillago (Ladyfish)