Origin & Habitat:
Lotia fish is a freshwater fish commonly found in rivers, canals, ponds, and wetlands of Bangladesh and India. It is a small fish that is very popular in local markets and village diets.

Appearance:

• Small, slender body

• Silvery-gray color with a shiny belly

• Smooth skin with tiny scales

• Narrow head with small fins

Weight:

• Usually 20–150 grams

• Small size makes it ideal for quick cooking

Taste:

• Soft, tender, and mildly flavored flesh

• Few fine bones, easy to eat

• Very suitable for curries and frying

Nutritional Value:

• High in protein

• Contains calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins

• Low in fat, healthy for all ages

Uses:

• Fried whole (Lotia Fry)

• Cooked in light curry (machher jhol)

• Sometimes used in mixed small fish dishes in villages

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