Guinean angelfish. Photo: BSS

PATUAKHALI, Sept 9, 2025 (BSS) - A rare species of marine fish, the Guinean angelfish or West African angelfish (Holacanthus africanus), has been caught in fishing nets in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Kuakata, drawing wide attention among local fishermen and residents.

The vibrant and exotic fish, typically found in tropical coral reef zones, was caught on Monday in the fishing trawler of A. Jalil, said a local fisherman. 

It was later brought to the Alipur Fisheries Port on Monday morning, where large crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the rare marine species.

Described as 14 inches long, the fish features a dark golden body with yellow horizontal spots and a golden-yellow mask-like pattern on its face. 

Many locals noted that the fish resembled those commonly seen in aquariums.
"I have never seen such a fish in my life. It looks exactly like an aquarium fish," said local fish trader Jamal, adding that he took photos to show to his family.

Another trader, Selim, who initially brought the fish home, expressed uncertainty about whether the fish was edible.

Speaking to BSS, Kamal Bepari, a businessman from Alipur, noted that the species is generally found in coral-rich saltwater environments.
 
"This fish is not commonly caught off the coast of the Bay of Bengal as there are no coral reefs here," he said.

He added that coral ecosystems exist in some parts of Myanmar near the Andaman Sea, and due to climate change and altered ocean currents, such species may be appearing in new areas.

In response to this rare catch, Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha confirmed the identification of the fish as Guinean angelfish, calling it a rare deep-sea species.

"It is not typically found near the coast of Bangladesh. However, this is good news for fishermen. There is international demand for such rare fish, and they can benefit economically from such catches," he said.

Mir Mohammad Ali, a marine biodiversity researcher at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, said the Guinean angelfish is native to the western coastal regions of Africa. 

He attributed its presence in Bangladeshi waters to climate change, ocean warming, and shifting currents.

"This is a new indication for marine biodiversity," he added.