'Kalo Datina' Caught in Bay of Bengal, Sold for 40,000 Taka

Kalo Datina fish sold for Taka 40,000 in Kalapara

Patuakhali: A marine fish known as 'Kalo Datina' (Gold silk sea bream) has once again been caught in a fisherman's net in the deep sea. This species is primarily found in the Sundarbans region and in coastal saline or brackish waters. Depending on the region, it is known by various names such as Kalo Datina, Sada Datina, Jati Datina, or Raja Datina.

On Tuesday morning (September 8), the fish was brought to M/S Sagar Fish at the Alipur Fish Landing Center in Patuakhali and sold for 40,000 Taka through an open auction. Weighing 8 kilograms, it was sold at a rate of 5,000 Taka per kilogram. Fish of this species are rarely caught in fishermen's nets. As news of the catch spread, a crowd gathered at the landing center to see the fish.

According to sources at the landing center, Mr. Musa, the proprietor of 'Fresh Fish Kuakata,' purchased the fish via open auction. He stated that he intends to prepare the fish for export. Previously, last Wednesday, he had purchased another Kalo Datina weighing 4.5 kilograms for 72,000 Taka.

Siddique, a fisherman from the trawler FB Mim, said, "Along with small jatka (juvenile hilsa), we caught this Datina fish. We sold it at a very good price. Catching such fish brings financial profit. We are very happy."

Local fishermen also refer to this fish as 'Black Diamond' or Datina. It is in high demand in international markets; specifically, its air bladder commands a high price as it is used in the production of traditional Chinese medicines and cosmetics.

Md. Bakhtiar Rahman, a research assistant for the 'Sustho Sagar' (Healthy Ocean) project—implemented jointly by WCS and WorldFish with funding from the Blue Action Fund—stated that the scientific name of the fish is Acanthopagrus berda. In terms of physical characteristics, the Black Datina fish has been recorded reaching lengths of up to 90 centimeters; however, local fishermen typically catch specimens measuring around 35 centimeters. Their preferred diet consists of small crabs, shrimp, small fish, snails, clams, and various species of marine worms found in the sandy or muddy seabed. Possessing powerful jaws, they can easily crush and consume hard-shelled creatures like crabs and shrimp.

He further noted that their natural breeding grounds are currently under threat due to climate change and coastal environmental pollution. Therefore, to foster the 'Blue Economy' and meet nutritional needs, it is imperative to disseminate artificial breeding technology for the Black Datina and protect its natural habitat.

Bijon Kumar Nandi, the District Fisheries Officer of Patuakhali, stated that these are known as 'Kalo Poya' fish, though locally referred to as 'Datina' fish. These fish are typically exported to various European countries. - Gofran Palash