Needlefish (Kanghi)

Needlefish, locally known as Kanghi (کنگھی), refers to a group of long, slender fish species with sword-like beaks and firm, lean meat, found abundantly in the Arabian Sea. At Karachi Fish Harbour, multiple types of Needlefish (Kanghi) are landed, including:

Flat Needlefish
Keeltail Needlefish
Banded Needlefish
Spottail Needlefish
Hound Needlefish

At Wholesome Seafood, we handle all major needlefish species under the umbrella name Kanghi, ensuring clear communication while fulfilling orders accurately. This makes it easy for customers who simply know the fish by its local name, while still getting export-quality fish.

Needlefish (Kanghi) offers firm, lean, and low-fat meat with a neutral to mildly sweet flavor. The flesh holds well during cooking and is ideal for deep frying, grilling, and spicy masala preparations. It has a slightly chewy texture and is perfect for crispy fry dishes.

English Name: Needlefish
Local Name (Urdu): Kanghi (کنگھی)
Common Species Found at Karachi Harbour:

Ablennes hians (Flat Needlefish)
Platybelone argalus (Keeltail Needlefish)
Strongylura leiura (Banded Needlefish)
Strongylura strongylura (Spottail Needlefish)
Tylosurus crocodilus (Hound Needlefish)

Family: Belonidae
Order: Beloniformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Phylum: Chordata

Needlefish (Kanghi) thrive in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and reef-associated zones of the Arabian Sea. They are frequently caught near the Karachi coast, particularly in the early morning hauls at fish harbors.

At Wholesome Seafood, Needlefish (Kanghi) is caught using coastal netting and light-based trap techniques, where they swim close to the surface and gather in schools. Immediate icing ensures that the fish remain firm and fresh for delivery.

Needlefish (Kanghi) are long, slender, and silver-bodied, with a distinct beak-like jaw and occasional green-blue shimmer. The body shape varies slightly by species but remains consistently elongated. Their meat is lean and boneless-friendly, though they do contain fine needle-like bones.

We offer Needlefish (Kanghi) in sizes ranging from 1 to 3 kg per fish, ideal for whole-fish cooking, frying, or cutting into long strips for grilling.

Needlefish (Kanghi) is available whole, gutted, headless, or sliced. Most customers prefer it headless & gutted or sliced into long strips for marinated fry or skewers. It’s rarely filleted due to its structure and shape.

Needlefish (Kanghi) is best deep-fried or grilled. It works well in spicy marinades, BBQ skewers, and crispy fry recipes. Because of its long shape, it’s often cut into sections or grilled whole over charcoal, offering a smoky, chewy bite with a satisfying texture.

Health Benefits

An excellent source of easily absorbed iron, Needlefish (Kanghi) helps combat fatigue and boosts energy by supporting red blood cell production. Beyond its benefits for vitality, this lean fish provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and heart-healthy omega-3s, making it a powerful choice for your health.

Iron is an important nutrient for many functions of the body such as transporting oxygen through the bloodstream and making proteins and enzymes. Iron is an essential nutrient, which means we must consume it in our diets. Fortunately, iron is found in a variety of foods, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. How much iron do I need? The recommended daily intake of iron varies based on factors such as age, sex, diet, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read here!

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