Fresh Ukabi

Ukabi is the local Manipuri name for the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), a popular freshwater air-breathing fish native to South and Southeast Asia.

Key Facts About Ukabi Fish

Scientific Name

Anabas testudineus.

Habitat

Found in slow-moving or stagnant freshwaters like ponds, swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands, and flooded paddy fields.

Special Trait

It has an accessory respiratory organ that lets it breathe air, making it extremely hardy and capable of surviving out of water for short periods or living in low-oxygen environments.

Culinary Status

Highly prized in Manipuri cuisine for its rich, delicious taste and distinct flavor. It is commonly prepared fresh as a crispy Ukabi Fish Fry, added to traditional spicy vegetable mashes like Eronba, or cooked in local curries.

Conservation & Farming

Wild populations in Manipur have declined over the decades due to environmental changes, pesticides, and overfishing. To meet local demand, farmers have turned to pond culture and introduced hardier strains (such as Vietnamese koi) for sustainable local production.