Kuakata: A giant trevally fish, locally known as ‘tabla maach’, weighing about 30 kilograms, was netted in the Bay of Bengal near Kuakata coast today. The fish was brought to Mohipur fishery ghat, where a large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the rare catch.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the locally called tabla, boga, or khandoya maach species is popular among food lovers for its high protein content and tender flesh with fewer bones. The 30-kg fish was auctioned at Mohipur fishery port for Tk 24,000, fetching around Tk 800 per kg. However, traders mentioned that the demand for the fish is relatively low in local markets.
Fishermen indicated that while trevally fish are often caught in the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal, specimens of such large size are extremely rare. Kalapara Upazila Fisheries Officer Apu Saha confirmed the identity of the fish, stating it belongs to the ‘Carangidae’ family. “These fish grow to very large sizes and are highly palatable,” he said.
He also highlighted the significant economic value of the species, noting that if such fish are caught more regularly, it would further boost the income of the local fishing community.