Fishermen at Sassoon dock bring 300-400 kg of unknown fish for sale

The species is usually found in the western Pacific region

Fishermen at the Sassoon dock were a surprised lot on Sunday when about 300-400 kg of a species of fish unknown to them was brought for sale. According to experts, the species - Reticulate Unicornfish - is usually seen in Taiwan and Indonesia.

Fisherman Karan Kohli from Karanja in Raigad district said, "One of the fishing boats from Revas had ventured into deep sea for fishing when they caught around 300-400 kg of the fish. This is the second time in a month that we have seen this species of fish. The catch was also taken to the market for sale but no one purchased it, as many of the buyers were not sure whether it's edible. However, we have learnt from experts that this fish can be consumed, too."

Marine Biologist Swapnil Tandel said, "Specimens from Gujarat and Kerala have been documented during a survey in 2016-2017. But this is the first time it has been spotted in Maharashtra." According to Tandel, the species is specific to the Western Pacific region like Taiwan and Indonesia. "This landing can suggest that the species may have extended its range. More data can help us know whether it's migrating," added Tandel. However, he said that the fish could be consumed.

According to a research paper, Ten New Records of the Reticulate Unicornfish Naso reticulatus Randall, 2001 (Perciformes: Acanthuridae): Distributional Range Expansion along the Southern Coasts of India, "The Reticulate Unicornfish Naso Reticulatus Randall, 2001, has been previously reported from Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, north-east coast of India and Pakistan."