Locally, it goes by the name ‘Kakkaklathy.’ And for the past three months, it arguably, has enjoyed the dubious distinction of being the most caught fish by Kerala fishermen, according to local researchers.
A study conducted by a Thiruvananthapuram-based research forum has revealed an interesting episode in targeted fishing in Kerala. Over the past three months, sea-going fishermen have trapped large quantities of this variety which goes by the name Red-Toothed Trigger Fish (Odonus niger).
“The Kakkaklathy season which began towards the end of December 2018 is yet to end. It is estimated that it could drag on till May this year,” researcher Robert Panipilla, convener of Friends of Marine Life (FML), said in a statement.
According to FML estimates, several hundred tonnes of this fish are being caught every day by fishermen from the State. Though bluish in colour when alive under water, the fish turns black in colour once it is dead. “A single 40 kg box of this fish rakes in ₹400,” Mr Panipilla said. Ironically, Keralites see little or nothing of this massive haul since it does not reach their dinner table.
Though the catch is ‘landed’ in Kochi, Beypore and Munambam, they are immediately trucked off to the fish meal factories in Tamil Nadu and Mangalapuram in Karnataka.
FML embarked on the study after the forum’s divers discovered the fish’s presence in large numbers in and around underwater reefs. However, deeper scientific research is required to ascertain the reasons for their sudden emergence in large numbers and the consequent impact on underwater ecosystems, Mr. Panipilla said.