GHOL FISH - AGRICULTURE
News:
Gujarat gets a state fish: Why ghol, the
‘fisherman’s lottery’, was chosen
What's in the news?
●
Recently, the
black-spotted croaker, or the ghol fish,
considered a fisherman’s lottery, was declared the state fish of Gujarat.
About Ghol Fish:
●
Geographical
Distribution:
○ The
ghol fish is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific
region.
○ Its
habitat spans from the Persian Gulf to
the expansive waters of the Pacific Ocean.
●
Economic
Significance:
○ The
ghol fish has a substantial market demand in China and other Asian countries.
○ Ghol
fish is also known as ‘Sea Gold’ for
its high market value.
○ Its
meat is exported to European and Middle-Eastern countries, while the dried air
bladder is in high demand, especially in China.
○ A
kilogram of ghol can fetch between Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 in Gujarat.
○ The
dried air bladder, considered the costliest part, can reach amounts as high as
Rs 25,000 a kilogram in the export market.
●
Benefits:
○ Good
for eye health and helps in maintaining eyesight.
○ Prevent
ageing and wrinkles, the collagen content in the ghol fish prevents wrinkles
and also keeps the elasticity of the skin intact.
○ Omega-3
content in ghol fish improves the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of infants if fed
on a regular basis – it stimulates the growth of brain cells.
●
Conservation:
○ International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Near Threatened.