Ribbon Fish

Ribbon Fish

Ribbon Fish any of the members of the bony fish family Trichuridae, order Perciformes; represented in the bay of bengal by four recognized species, of which Lepturacanthus savala is the most abundant and is commercially exploited. Also known as hair tails, the fish is characterized by long laterally compressed ribbon-like body. Generally 70-100 cm in length, with confluent dorsal fin that originates immediately behind head and extends up to the tapering, pointed tip of the tail. Teeth hard fang-like. Pectoral fins present but caudal and pelvic fins absent. Dorsal and anal fins are long but feeble with numerous rays. Lower jaw longer with sharp and curved teeth. Gill opening wide. Scales absent. L. savala forms about 2.5% of the total demersal trawl catch and accounted for 0.83% of the total shrimp trawl production for 1989-90, as non-target species.

According to the bottom trawl survey, the abundance of L. savala accounted 4,043 B1200 metric tons of which about 21% was distributed in 10-20 m depth. Highest concentration is observed between 40 and 50m depth contour. Ribbon fish are mostly sold in Bangladesh as dried fish and have export potential. [Akhtarun Nessa Chowdhury and Md. Golam Mustafa]