IT'S far from pretty with a large head and small body covered in spines.

But the family who caught this bizarre mystery fish are so happy with the catch they're planning to keep it.

Borneo fisherman Sapar Mansor caught the strange creature on a fishing trip this week and brought it home to his wife.

The fish, which is more than 30cm long and has four spikes near its mouth, was caught near in the sea near Tudan.

Mr Mansor told The Borneo Post he had never seen a fish like it and couldn't identify what it was.

He said he and a friend travelled for two hours from the Miri River to the sea before catching the creature, along with several other fish.

Wife Siti Kadariah said she was surprised by her husband's catch.

"When my husband brought the fish home, both my children were stunned because of its shape and uniqueness," she said.

"It is God's gift and I and my family will keep the fish."

She said she is planning to dry the fish out to preserve it.

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