Chanos chanos, commonly known as the milkfish, is a resilient species found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Known for its elongated, silvery body, this fish is a strong swimmer and often inhabits coastal and coral reef environments. Milkfish are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and small invertebrates, and are notable for their adaptability to both freshwater and marine habitats. They play a significant role in aquaculture, especially in Southeast Asia, due to their rapid growth and high protein content.

Chanos chanos, commonly known as the milkfish, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its geographical distribution extends from the eastern coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific Ocean, reaching as far as Hawaii in the east.

Milkfish predominantly inhabit warm, tropical marine environments. They are commonly found in coastal areas, such as shallow lagoons, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. The species is known to thrive in waters with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C (68-86°F).

Milkfish are euryhaline, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of salinities, which allows them to inhabit both marine and brackish waters. They typically feed on algae and small invertebrates, playing an essential role in the ecosystem as primary consumers that help maintain the balance of algae populations. Juvenile milkfish often migrate to brackish waters or freshwater lakes for growth before returning to the sea to spawn.