Bantwal: Fish live in ponds, temple tanks, rivers and inland water bodies like wells, cement tanks and lakes. But can they appear in old discarded fields in an acre of waters, and that too in large quantities, like sweet water fish? Yes.

Santosh Rai owns the fields near a national highway, between Ramalkatte and Bhramara Kootlu of Thumbe area in Valavoor GP.

The fields holding fish colonies are waist-deep in water and there were large size fish swimming in the water.

As the news spread, people made a beeline to the neglected pond-like fields, and took away the fish for dinner some of them were 2 to 3 feet long, and 20kg. in weight, like a Mahaseer in Mysore Cauvery waters.

The existence of so many large size fish in an abandoned field, has delight run derds of local villagers who call it a ‘Suggi’(bumper crop).

The fish are called ‘Mugudu’ in local language, selling at Rs.600 to 700 on a 10kg. weight.

They are carried away in Tempo/risckshaws by catering establishments. People collect the fish even at night, using a hand torch.

Buyers make a deal with sellers, by seeking a discount on the fish sold.