Common Name: Milkfish

Local Name: Bangus, Awa

Max Size:  180 cm (commonly 60-100 cm)

Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Freshwater, Benthopelagic, Endemic

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

This is the national fish of the Philippines.  It is a saltwater species that can also be found in freshwater.  These fish are farmed through out the country in ponds along the ocean for food. It is also a popular game fish due to its strong runs.  It however feeds mainly on algae, small invertabrates, zooplankton and fish eggs.   Anglers target these fish mainly in stocked ponds with dough bait, bread and occasionally fly fishing flies, however they can be caught in the in the wild along the coast around reefs and in mangroves, estuaries, and bays.  This large Bangus in the picture above was caught by Josh in Cebu.  Large adult Milkfish are also called Awa.