Large-sized coral fish are attracting considerable attention at Cox’s Bazar’s largest fish market, locally known as Boro Bazar, despite an ongoing government ban on marine fishing aimed at protecting fish breeding and conserving marine resources.
Coral fish weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms are currently being sold at the market, with prices ranging from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,100 per kilogram.
A visit to the market on Thursday morning found rows of giant coral fish displayed prominently at the entrance, drawing crowds of customers, tourists, and seafood enthusiasts. Many visitors enquired about the fish’s weight and price, while others paused to take photographs.
The presence of such large marine fish has surprised many, as the nationwide restriction on sea fishing has significantly reduced the supply of marine fish in local markets.
Fish trader Abdul Alim said the fish were caught primarily in the Naf River along the Ukhiya-Teknaf border, where fishing continues despite the marine fishing ban.
“Although fishing in the sea is currently prohibited, there are no restrictions on fishing in the Naf River. Fishermen are catching large coral fish and other species there, and wholesalers are bringing them to Cox’s Bazar for sale,” he said.
According to Alim, he currently has 12 large coral fish in stock. The largest weighs around 15 kilograms and is being sold at Tk 1,100 per kilogram. He added that the fish’s gallbladder would be removed before sale, while comparatively smaller coral fish are selling at Tk 1,000 per kilogram.
Several buyers at the market said that coral fish of such size are uncommon under normal circumstances. The arrival of these fish during the fishing ban has generated significant consumer interest, though their high prices have placed them beyond the reach of many ordinary buyers.
Local traders noted that coral fish are among the most sought-after marine fish species in Bangladesh, particularly larger specimens, which are in demand nationwide. As a result, prices tend to remain high even when supply is limited.
Market traders also said that fish prices have increased somewhat during the ban period due to reduced marine catches. However, supplies from the Naf River and inland sources have helped prevent any severe shortage in local markets.
The giant coral fish on display continued to attract crowds throughout the day, with many visitors stopping to admire and photograph them. Traders expressed optimism that sales would increase further ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
