Rare 'lionfish' caught in fishermen's net in Bay

A pair of venomous marine fish, the rare 'lionfish', have been caught in the nets of fishermen in the deep Bay of Bengal off the Kuakata coast of Patuakhali. Due to their colorful striped bodies and spiny fins, the fish sparked widespread curiosity among locals after they were brought to the Mahipur fish landing center. Experts have warned that touching the fish with bare hands is risky because the fin spines contain venom.

The two fish were brought to the Mahipur fish landing center on Monday morning by a fishing trawler named FB Jaber. Asad, the master of the trawler, said that while fishing in the deep Bay of Bengal off the Kuakata coast two days ago, the two lionfish got caught in the net along with other fish. Later, the fish were unloaded at the Maayer Doa fish landing center in Mahipur port. Trader Md. Chogir Akon bought the two fish, weighing around 800 grams each. After they arrived at the port, curious locals gathered to see the fish. Many took pictures and shared them on social media.

Local fisherman Rahim Mia said, 'At first, it seemed like an ordinary fish, but later, seeing the red, white, and brown striped patterns on its body and the spiny structure of its fins, we realized it was a rare marine fish.'

The buyer, Chogir Akon, said that because the fish looked attractive, he has preserved them. He is not sure whether they are edible. He also mentioned that a similar lionfish had been caught earlier at Mahipur port.

Md. Bakhtiar Rahman, research assistant of the 'Sustho Sagor' (Healthy Sea) project, implemented jointly by WCS and WorldFish with funding from the Blue Action Fund, said, 'Although lionfish look extremely attractive, they are venomous fish. If the venom from the fin spines enters the human body, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and even respiratory complications such as breathing difficulties. Therefore, catching or touching these fish with bare hands should be avoided.'

He added that the lionfish, belonging to the species Pterois volitans, generally inhabits warm coastal areas of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Pacific Ocean, and Red Sea. This fish survives by eating small fish and shrimp.

Apu Saha, Senior Fisheries Officer of Kalapara Upazila, said that the spines of the lionfish's fins contain venom. If someone is stung carelessly, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and respiratory distress. Therefore, fishermen are being advised not to catch such fish with bare hands and to take necessary precautions.