Koral (Whole) কোরাল মাছ (আস্ত)

Origin & Habitat:
Shol fish, also known as Snakehead Murrel, is a freshwater predatory fish found in rivers, canals, ponds, and swamps across Bangladesh, India, and Southeast Asia. It’s locally called Shol in Bengali.

Appearance:

• Long, cylindrical body that looks snake-like

• Dark brown or blackish on top, lighter on the belly

• Large mouth with sharp teeth

• No scales on the head (smooth surface)

Weight: Usually 500 grams – 3 kg, but some grow up to 6–7 kg in natural rivers.

Taste:

• Firm, tasty flesh with fewer bones

• Considered very nutritious and healthy

• Often recommended for weak or recovering patients

Nutritional Value:

• High-quality protein

• Rich in iron, calcium, and phosphorus

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that help in tissue repair

Uses:

• Cooked in curries (shol machher jhol)

• Fried or roasted with spices

• In traditional medicine, shol is believed to help in healing after surgery or illness

Origin & Availability:
Lakka fish is commonly found in rivers and coastal waters of Bangladesh, India, and other parts of South Asia. It’s a freshwater and sometimes brackish-water fish, available in local markets throughout the year.

Appearance:

• Medium-sized fish, elongated body

• Silver-gray in color with a slightly darker back

• Smooth skin with small scales

Weight: Usually ranges between 200 grams to 1.5 kilograms.

Taste:

• White, soft, and flaky flesh

• Mild in flavor, easy to cook

• Few fine bones, which makes it good for curries and fries

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Low in fat

• Contains calcium, phosphorus, and essential minerals

Uses:

• Popular for traditional curries (machher jhol)

• Fried or grilled

• Sometimes dried and preserved in coastal areas

Origin & Habitat:
Tailla fish is a freshwater fish commonly found in rivers, canals, and ponds of Bangladesh, India, and some other South Asian regions. It is a popular local fish, often available in wet markets.

Appearance:

• Medium-sized, elongated body

• Silver-gray color with a darker back

• Smooth skin with fine scales

Weight: Generally ranges from 250 grams to 2 kilograms, depending on age and habitat.

Taste:

• Flesh is soft, juicy, and tasty

• Contains moderate bones but easy to eat

• Popular in traditional home-style curries

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Contains calcium, iron, and phosphorus

• Good source of vitamin B complex

Uses:

• Very popular for making machher jhol (fish curry)

• Can be fried, curried, or cooked with vegetables

• Sometimes used in festive meals in villages

Origin & Habitat:
Puti is a very common freshwater fish found in rivers, ponds, canals, and wetlands of Bangladesh, India, and other South Asian countries. It’s small in size and very popular in rural and urban diets.

Appearance:

• Small-sized fish, usually 20–100 grams

• Shiny silvery body, sometimes with light golden shade

• Slender body with small scales

Weight: Generally under 100 grams, but some varieties grow larger.

Taste:

• Very tasty and flavorful

• Soft flesh with tiny bones

• Popular for village-style curries and fries

Nutritional Value:

• Rich in protein

• High in calcium and phosphorus (good for bones)

• Contains vitamins and minerals essential for health

Uses:

• Eaten fried (crispy puti fry)

• Cooked in light curry (machher jhol) with vegetables

• Often dried and stored in rural areas