To produce specific antibodies against malachite green ( MG) , one special hapten was synthesized and characterized, and conjugated to carrier protein as immunogen. The immunogen showed excellent reactogenicity and immunogenicity. One specific monoclonal antibody (mAb, named MG-DA4-C7) with high sensitivity and specificity for MG in indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay ( icELISA ) was screened. The isotype was IgG1 and the light chain was κ type. After optimization of ELISA conditions, the proposed icELISA showed a 50% inhibition value ( IC50 ) of 0. 96 μg/L, a linear range ( IC20-IC80 ) of 0. 1-8. 1 μg/L and a limit of detection ( LOD, IC10 ) of 0. 05 μg/L for determination of MG. The assay showed cross-reactivity of 18. 1%, 26. 5% with crystal violet and brilliant green, respectively, and negligible cross-reactivity with other metabolites of MG (<0 . 1%) . The average recoveries of MG from spiked fish samples were from 87. 3% to 107. 3%. Good correlation (R2=0. 999) was obtained between the results of icELISA and those of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The proposed icELISA is suitable for the determination of MG in fish samples in a simple and sensitive manner.