The Vampire Fish: How Bajun Fishermen Hunt With Remoras | FULL DOCUMENTARY

In the Lamu archipelago off the Kenyan coast, the Bajun people preserve a rare fishing tradition based on an unusual ally: the remora, also known locally as the tasa or “vampire fish.” Revered for generations, the fish is used to help locate and catch large marine animals such as rays. The documentary follows Alphan, Aruni and other Bajun fishermen from the island of Kiwayu as they prepare for Ramadan and set out to sea. Their way of life, closely tied to sailing, fishing and Islamic traditions, remains deeply connected to practices passed down through the centuries. On the island of Pumba, the fishermen prepare their remoras before embarking on a demanding hunt across the Indian Ocean. Using threads attached to the fish, they follow them through the water in search of rays and other large prey. Through this fishing technique and the stories surrounding the remora, the film explores the enduring relationship between the Bajun people, the sea and a tradition still passed from father to son. Documentary: Masters of the Spirits EP9 Vampire Fish Directed by: Jean QUEYRAT Production: ZED, LA CINQUIEME VOYAGE #documentary #freedocumentary #vampirefish #remora #remorafish #fishingtraditions #traditionalfishing #bajun #kenya #lamu #kiwayu #indianocean #ramadan #swahiliculture #africanculture #artisanalfishing #stingray #marinewildlife #oceanlife #culturaldocumentary #wildlifedocumentary