A fisherman from the Mohipur Fishery Port in Patuakhali caught a rare 37-kilogram sea fish, locally known as “Dantina” or “Black Diamond.” The fish, scientifically identified as Kalapoa, was brought ashore on Wednesday, November 12, drawing large crowds eager to witness the uncommon catch.
The fish was caught by fisherman Tarikul using a fishing hook. It was later sold for Tk 111,000 at the Monowara Fish depot, according to local sources. Residents said such large and rare species are seldom caught in the area’s waters.
Local fish trader Sagir Akon said, “We came to the port early in the morning just to see it. You don’t see a fish like this every day, and hearing it sold for over Tk 100,000 is truly astonishing.”
Bakhtiar Rahman, research assistant at Ecofish Bangladesh, explained that the Black Diamond or Kalapoa is a rare marine species typically found in the Bay of Bengal, particularly along the coasts of Cox’s Bazar, Maheshkhali, Saint Martin’s Island, and Patuakhali. These fish usually measure between 50 and 180 centimeters in length and weigh between 10 and 25 kilograms, though some can exceed 50 kilograms.
He added that the fish’s air bladder, or swim bladder, has significant demand in international markets, especially for use in traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetics, which drives up its commercial value.
Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said, “It is very encouraging that local fishermen have caught a 37-kilogram Dantina or Black Diamond. Such catches are rare. The positive results of abiding by the government’s bans on catching hilsa fry and brood fish are becoming evident.”
He also noted that five fish of this species have been sold at Alipur and Mohipur fishery ports this year alone, indicating both an increase in fish diversity and an encouraging trend for the coastal economy.
