Milkfish

The milkfish has a generally symmetrical and streamlined appearance, with a sizable forked caudal fin. The Hawaiian name for the fish is awa, and in Tahiti it is ava. Milkfishes commonly live in tropical offshore marine waters around islands and along continental shelves, at depths of 3 to 100 feet. They also frequently enter estuaries and rivers. The milkfish can grow to 5 ft 11 inches and can reach a weight of about 31 pounds. They have a 15-year lifespan. They have an elongated and almost compressed body, with a generally symmetrical and streamlined appearance, one dorsal fin, falcate pectoral fins and a sizable forked caudal fin. Mouth is small and toothless. Body color is olive green, with silvery flanks and dark bordered fins. These fishes generally feed on autotrophs, algae and small invertebrates. They tend to school around coasts and islands with coral reefs.