Rare 8kg Black Datina and 2.5kg Hilsa Sold in Coastal Markets

On September 8, 2026, a rare and exceptionally large black datina fish was caught in a fishing net at the Alipur Fishing Port in Patuakhali, sparking excitement among local fishermen and traders. Weighing a remarkable 8 kilograms, the prized marine catch was sold for 40,000 taka during an open auction at the port. The substantial transaction brought immediate financial relief and joy to the local fishing community, demonstrating how occasional catches of high-value species can significantly boost earnings for those operating along the coast.

The black datina fish, also referred to locally by names such as Black Diamond, attracted prominent buyers to the port. Siddik, a fisherman, noted that the datina was caught alongside small Jatka hilsa and emphasized that securing such a fish yields strong profits that greatly benefit the working crews. Expanding on the commercial value, trader Mir Mizanur Rahman explained that the species is in high demand on the international market primarily because its swim bladder, or air bladder, is utilized for various industrial and commercial applications. While noting that the fish sold for a relatively modest price on this occasion, Rahman added that such specimens can occasionally fetch up to 400,000 taka in top markets, benefiting both the fishermen and local traders alike.

Providing scientific context, Dr. Rajib Sarkar of Patuakhali Science and Technology University stated that the species bears the scientific name Acanthopagrus berda. According to Sarkar, a black datina can physically grow up to approximately 90 centimeters in maximum length, although specimens found along the local coast typically measure closer to 35 centimeters. Sarkar detailed that their primary diet consists of small crabs, shrimp, small fish, snails, bivalves, and various species of marine worms residing in bottom sand or mud, with powerful jaws allowing them to easily consume hard-shelled prey. However, Sarkar also raised environmental concerns, warning that climate change and coastal pollution are threatening the natural breeding grounds of the species. He emphasized that spreading artificial breeding technology for the black datina and preserving its natural habitat are crucial for the development of the blue economy and for meeting human nutritional demands.

Echoing these commercial perspectives, trader Bijon Kumar Nandi explained that these fish, locally known as datina, are typically exported to various European countries. Nandi reiterated that because the fish's air bladder is used to manufacture cosmetics, medicines, and various other products, international demand remains robust, even though the fish are not always readily available in local waters. At the Alipur port, the 8-kilogram specimen was successfully purchased by PM Musa, representing Fresh Fish Kuakata, during the competitive open auction involving local business entities such as Messers Sagar Fish Arat and Sifat Fish.

In a parallel development on the exact same date of September 8, 2026, a separate high-value catch made waves further down the coast at the Ramnewaz Fish Ghat in Monpura, Bhola. According to fisherman Emran Kalam Majhi, the large hilsa fish was caught early in the morning while pulling nets in the Meghna River alongside other regular catches. Brought directly to the fish ghat, the 2.5-kilogram hilsa drew immediate attention from traders and onlookers alike, representing a standout catch for the region's riverine fisheries.

Detailing the subsequent sale, Md. Mainuddin explained that the hilsa was initially purchased at an auction by Shawon Howladar for 15,000 taka. Following the auction, several Dhaka-based traders engaged in bargaining, and a buyer from Dhaka ultimately contacted the seller over the mobile phone to purchase the fish for 20,000 taka. Confirming the transaction, Shawon Howladar stated that he bought the fish from the auction for 15,000 taka and subsequently resold it privately for 20,000 taka, while choosing to keep the ultimate buyer's identity confidential. Local observers like Nagor Hazari noted that such large hilsa are rarely seen during the current season, marking it as one of the standout specimens of the period. Concluding the local sentiment, Jayanta Kumar Apu observed that while the Meghna River is currently experiencing a general shortage of hilsa, landing such a large specimen serves as a welcome source of relief for fishermen, raising hopes that even larger hilsa and other fish will be caught in the river in the days ahead.