Bombay duck (Bombil)

Bombay duck (lat. Harpadon nehereus), despite its name, is not a duck but a type of fish. It is a soft, fleshy lizardfish found in the waters of the Arabian Sea, particularly along the western coast of India near Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Bombay duck has a slender, elongated body with a translucent, jelly-like texture and a mild, distinct flavor. The name "Bombay duck" is believed to have originated during British colonial rule in India, possibly linked to the fish being transported on mail trains called "dak" in Bombay, which may have evolved into "duck." It is widely used in coastal cuisine, often fried with spices and semolina to make bombil fry or cooked in curries.