STAR BAIM (IQF)স্টার বাঁইম মাছ

Origin & Habitat:
Khorol Bata is a small freshwater fish found in rivers, canals, beels, and ponds of Bangladesh and Eastern India. It belongs to the Bata fish family, which is quite common in rural markets.

Appearance:

• Small to medium size, usually 50–200 grams

• Slender body, silver in color with a shiny belly

• Dorsal side (top) slightly darker

Weight: Typically under 200 grams, though bigger ones can be found.

Taste:

• Very tasty, rich in flavor

• Flesh is soft and fine

• Small bones, but locals enjoy eating it whole (fried or curried)

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Rich in calcium and phosphorus (good for bones)

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids

Uses:

• Often eaten fried (crispy style)

• Cooked as a curry with potatoes or vegetables

• Popular in village-style meals

Origin & Habitat:
Carp is one of the most common freshwater fish in the world. Native to Europe and Asia, it is now widely farmed across the globe, including Bangladesh, India, China, and the USA.

Appearance:

• Medium to large size

• Thick body with large shiny scales

• Colors vary from silver, golden to grayish-black

Weight: Can range from 1–15 kg depending on species and environment.

Taste:

• Mild and slightly sweet flavor

• Firm but tender flesh

• Some species have fine bones, while others have fewer bones

Nutritional Value:

• Rich in protein

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids

• Good source of vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium

Uses:

• Widely used in curries (machher jhol in Bengali cuisine)

• Grilled, fried, or baked

• A staple fish in South Asian and East European cuisine

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