Koral weighing 33kg caught in Sundarbans river

A massive Datina Koral fish weighing 32.7 kg has been caught by fishermen in the Batlu River of the Satkhira Range in the western Sundarbans. 

The rare fish was caught on Thursday (12 December) 

The fish was later put up for auction, and the highest bid reached Tk3.1 lakh. 

However, the fishermen refused to sell it at that price, leading to ongoing negotiations since this  (14 December) afternoon in Napitkhali village of Gabura.

Fisheries trader Bakkar Ali, who placed the highest bid, said, "The fish is known as Datina Koral. Several buyers have arrived, and I offered Tk3.1 lakh, the highest bid so far, but the fishermen are unwilling to sell."

"If the fish is male, I am ready to pay Tk8 lakh; if it's a female, I'll pay Tk3 lakh. I'll even cut and take it myself, yet the fishermen are not agreeing," he added.

Explaining the high value of the fish, he said its gills are highly sought after and exported to countries like Japan, Switzerland, China, and India, where they are used to make soup, which is extremely popular.

"Last year, a male Datina Koral weighing 36.3 kg was caught in the Sundarbans River and was sold for Tk10 lakh. This species of fish can weigh up to 50-70 kg," he further said.

The fish was caught by seven fishermen from Napitkhali village in Gabura, who ventured into the Sundarbans for fishing.