Katla Fish (IQF) | কাতলা মাছ (আস্ত)

Origin & Habitat:
Star Baim is a freshwater spiny eel found in rivers, canals, ponds, and wetlands of Bangladesh, India, and Southeast Asia. It prefers muddy or sandy bottoms and comes out mostly at night to feed.

Appearance:

• Long, slender, snake-like body

• Brownish or grayish color with small dark spots or star-like patterns along the body

• Narrow pointed head with small barbels

• Looks like a small snake, but it is a true fish

Weight & Size:

• Typically 100–500 grams

• Can grow up to 1–1.5 feet long

Taste:

• Soft, tender flesh

• Less bony compared to other small fishes

• Considered a delicacy in rural areas

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus

• Traditionally believed to give strength and aid recovery

Uses:

• Cooked in curries (baim machher jhol)

• Fried or pan-roasted

• Often prepared with mustard paste or mild spices

Origin & Habitat:
Shada Rupchada is a freshwater fish commonly found in rivers, ponds, and haors of Bangladesh and India. It is the lighter-colored variant of Rupchada fish.

Appearance:

• Medium-sized, slightly flattened and elongated body

• Silvery-white color, sometimes with a light golden tint

• Small scales, smooth skin

• Broad head with a pointed mouth

Weight:

• Typically 200 grams – 1.5 kilograms

Taste:

• Soft, tender, and mild-flavored flesh

• Few bones, easy to cook and eat

• Ideal for curries, frying, or roasting

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Contains calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins

• Low in fat, healthy for all ages

Uses:

• Cooked in traditional curries (machher jhol)

• Fried or roasted with spices

• Popular in both rural and urban markets