The Hindu : `Allah fish' surfaces in Parangipettai waters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 16, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

`Allah fish' surfaces in Parangipettai waters

By A.V. Ragunathan

Patterns resembling Arabic characters on the body of the `Allah fish', which was found in Parangipettai, near Chidambaram.

CUDDALORE Nov. 15. A marine phenomenon, `Allah fish', has occurred in the coastal waters of Parangipettai near Chidambaram in Cuddalore district. As the fish made an appearance during the holy month of Ramadan, it has evoked interest among the residents of Parangipettai and the surrounding areas.

The fish, held in veneration by Muslims, was found in a catch a couple of days ago, T. Balasubramanian, director, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology of Annamalai University, told The Hindu. It was kept in the museum of the Centre for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on working days.

The bright brown fish, about 30 cm in length and 10 cm in width, carried patterns resembling Arabic characters, on one side of the body reading "Laillah Illalah" (there is no God but Allah) and, on the other, "Sahni Allah" (warning from God).

Its other popular names are `Koran fish' and `Koran Angel'. Mr Balasubramanian said that it was in Parangipettai that followers of Prophet Mohammed, including his grandson, Syed Sahib, attained martyrdom.

The 360-odd dargahs present at Parangipettai bore testimony to this fact. It was here that poet Ummaru recited Seerapuranam.

Mr. Balasubramanian and S. Ajmal Khan of the centre said the scientific name of the Allah fish was pomacanthus semicirculatus and it belonged to the family pomacanthidae.

In India the fish was found in the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Straits, besides at Parangipettai. Coral reefs were its favourite habitat.

It also occurred in the coastal waters of Africa, Korea, Japan, Australia and Polynesia, the director said.

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