Rare “Bat Ray” Weighing 20 Kg Caught in Kuakata Sea, Patuakhali

A rare species of fish locally known as the “Bat Ray” weighing about 20 kilograms was caught in a fisherman’s net near Kuakata beach in the Bay of Bengal. The fish was brought to Mohipur Fisheries Market for sale yesterday evening. Local trader Md. Sarwar Hossain purchased the fish from the fisherman.

Fisherman Md. Abu Hanif said that five days ago, he went to sea near Charbijoy and surrounding areas to catch hilsa fish. While casting his net, he caught this rare fish along with hilsa. The fish measures approximately one foot in length, with a tail nearly two feet long. It is comparatively thick and heavy. Due to low demand for this fish in the local market, he sold it to Sarwar Hossain at 250 taka per kilogram, totaling around 5,000 taka.

Buyer Sarwar Hossain stated that he plans to take the fish to the Dhaka market for sale. The unusual fish attracted a crowd of curious people at the market.

Local fishermen in Mohipur said that this type of fish is rarely seen in the market, so its demand remains low. They refer to it as the “Bat Ray” fish.

Md. Kamrul Islam, Special Officer of Fisheries and Marine Affairs of Patuakhali district, said this fish typically inhabits the Indo-Pacific and Philippine seas. It can also be found in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Its distinctive features include a white belly, black or brown back, long thin tail, flat head, and two wing-like pectoral fins resembling those of a bat.

The female of the species can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 90 kilograms, while the male is comparatively smaller. Kamrul Islam added that the fish gives birth to 2 to 10 young ones after a gestation period of 9 to 12 months. They live from depths of 180 meters to shallower coastal sandy areas. Their diet mainly consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish found on the sea floor.

Being a type of ray with thick skin on the back, this fish is not very popular as food among locals.