Fish of Bangladesh: The Complete List

Bangladesh’s rivers, estuaries and coastal waters support a huge variety of freshwater and marine fish that shape daily life, cuisine and livelihoods across the country. Whether you’re exploring local markets, planning a meal, or learning species for conservation, a compact reference makes spotting and comparing fish much easier.

There are 15 Fish of Bangladesh, ranging from Black pomfret to Tilapia (Nile tilapia). For each species the Scientific name, Local name (Bengali), and Max size (cm) are listed so you can compare identification and size at a glance—details you’ll find below.

How can I tell similar-looking fish apart when I’m at the market or on a boat?

Look at key features: body shape, fin placement, mouth size and scale pattern, then check size against the Max size (cm). Local names (Bengali) help confirm what vendors call the fish; when unsure, compare a photo or ask for the scientific name to avoid confusion.

Which of these species are most likely to be available fresh in markets?

Availability depends on season and location, but commonly sold species include coastal and farmed types such as Black pomfret and Tilapia. Freshness cues—clear eyes, firm flesh and mild smell—plus asking for the local name will help you find market-ready fish.

Fish of Bangladesh

Images and Descriptions

Hilsa

An iconic anadromous shad moving between Bay of Bengal estuaries and inland rivers; prized for rich flesh and central to Bengali cuisine and economy. Heavily fished and managed seasonally; major conservation and fisheries-management concern nationally.

Rohu

A widespread riverine carp of rivers and floodplains, commonly found in ponds and culture systems; firm white flesh makes it a staple for markets and home cooking. Important commercially and in aquaculture across Bangladesh.

Catla

Large surface-feeding carp in rivers, beels and pond culture; popular table fish for its soft, oily flesh and high market value. Widely farmed and harvested from wild stocks, important in inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Mrigal

A bottom-feeding carp common in rivers and floodplain wetlands and often raised in polyculture ponds; valued for mild-tasting flesh and commercial importance in freshwater fisheries and aquaculture.

Pangas

A large riverine catfish inhabiting lowland rivers and estuaries; mild-flavoured, boneless fillets make it commercially important for local markets and processing. Found wild and widely cultured across Bangladesh’s waterways.

Magur (Walking catfish)

Air-breathing catfish frequenting marshes, ponds and floodplain channels; hardy and popular in rural diets for its distinctive flavour. Tolerant of low oxygen, it supports subsistence and small-scale commercial fisheries.

Shingi (Stinging catfish)

Small, hardy catfish of ponds, canals and rivers known for its firm flesh and distinctive “sting.” Common in rural markets and aquaculture; valued for resilience to low-oxygen conditions and traditional dishes.

Tilapia (Nile tilapia)

Introduced but established in freshwater ponds, rivers and reservoirs; fast-growing and widely farmed for affordable white flesh. Important for food security but can be ecologically impactful where it spreads.

Common carp

A large, introduced freshwater carp found in ponds, rivers and culture systems; omnivorous and widely farmed for its flaky meat. Significant in aquaculture, local fisheries and recreational angling in Bangladesh.

Mola

Tiny, schooling freshwater fish of ponds, ditches and floodplain wetlands; eaten fried or boiled locally and important as a seasonal protein source. Common, fast-maturing, and culturally familiar in rural diets.

Indian mackerel

Coastal pelagic schooling fish in the Bay of Bengal and estuaries; prized for flavorful flesh and oil, sold fresh or salted. A mainstay of coastal fisheries and an accessible, affordable protein for coastal communities.

Bombay duck

Elongate estuarine and coastal fish caught in nearshore waters and tidal channels; often sun-dried or fried, it is a traditional and cheap protein source. Seasonally abundant and important in coastal fishery economies.

Ribbonfish (Largehead hairtail)

Long, ribbon-like predator of coastal and offshore waters, frequently caught by trawlers; silvery flesh used fresh or dried. Common in Bay of Bengal catches and commercially significant for processors and markets.

Silver pomfret

Popular marine food fish found in coastal seas and estuaries; prized for delicate white flesh and high market price. Regularly caught by coastal fleets and served in restaurants; valued as a premium seafood item.

Black pomfret

Common in coastal waters and estuaries, this medium-sized pomfret is valued for firm flesh and everyday cooking. Widely sold fresh in coastal and urban markets and important for artisanal fisheries.

Other Fish by Country