194-Kilogram ‘Bhol’ Fish Caught in Shah Porir Dwip

Local Correspondent

A massive 194-kilogram Bhola fish was caught by fishermen in Teknaf’s Shah Porir Dwip, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday morning. The fish was ensnared in the seine net of local fisherman Kalu Fakir near Naf River’s estuary in Gholar Char around 10:30 a.m.

According to Mohammad Hasan, president of the Trawler Owners Cooperative Society, the fishermen, led by Nur Mohammad, found the fish tangled in their net along with smaller catches after an hour of pulling. They hauled the fish ashore with local help and transported it to Shah Porir Dwip Jetty, where curious onlookers gathered.

Nur Mohammad, the lead fisherman, remarked, “This is the first time such a large Bhol fish, weighing 194 kilograms, was caught in our net.” The fish was initially priced at Tk 300,000 but was sold to local fish trader Nurul Alam for Tk 260,000.

Nurul Alam noted that while large Bhola fish are rare, a 150-kilogram one was caught near St. Martin’s Island around the same time last year. He plans to sell the fish in the Teknaf municipal fish market on Monday by weight.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Delwar Hossain confirmed the rare catch, stating that the fish, known locally as Bhol, is scientifically classified as Raiamas bhol. He explained that such large specimens are uncommon, with Bhol fish typically weighing between 5 and 15 kilograms during the winter season.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Raiamas bola as a “Least Concern” species, indicating its wide distribution and abundant population.

Delwar Hossain added, “Government-imposed restrictions on sea fishing in recent years have allowed fish populations to grow larger. This benefits fishermen economically and brings excitement to the community.”