Kerala mackerel fish, known as Ayala or Aiyla in Malayalam, is a popular, nutritious, silvery-blue fish found abundantly in Kerala's coastal waters, prized for its rich flavor, firm flesh, and high omega-3 content, often prepared as spicy fries (Ayala Fry) or tangy curries (Mulakittathu/Peera) with local spices and coconut, forming a staple in South Indian cuisine