What is Ghol Fish and Why was it Declared as Gujarat's State Fish?

During the inauguration of the two-day Global Fisheries Conference India, 2023, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, officially designated the "Ghol" or Blackspotted Croaker as the state fish.

This decision was made due to the Ghol fish's significant presence in the marine regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra, making it a fitting representative of the state's aquatic life.

Ghol: State Fish of Gujarat

Ghol Fish Availibilty in the Ocean Region:

The Ghol fish is a rare and valuable marine species that can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest fish species found in India, particularly in the marine areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra. With its impressive size and unique golden-brown coloring, the Ghol fish stands out as an emblematic species.

Factors making Ghol Fish an Unique and Strong Competitior for State Fish: 

• This fish is highly sought after due to its rich nutritional composition, which includes iodine, omega-3, DHA, EPA, iron, taurine, magnesium, fluoride, and selenium.

• Measuring around one-and-a-half meters in length, the price of the Ghol fish increases with its size, reaching up to Rs 5 lakh per unit length.

• Often referred to as 'Sea Gold' or the "fisherman's lottery," the Ghol fish is renowned for a pouch in its stomach that possesses potent medicinal properties.

• In addition to its medicinal benefits, the Ghol fish is also beneficial for eye health and contains various vitamins and minerals.

• Its collagen content helps prevent aging and wrinkles, while the Omega-3 it provides contributes to the improvement of infant IQ by stimulating brain cell growth.

• The demand for the Ghol fish is high, both for its meat and air bladder. It is even used in beer and wine making processes. The air bladder (Pouch in the Stomach) of the Ghol fish has pharmaceutical applications, further adding to its value. This fish is highly esteemed in overseas markets, particularly in China.

Criteria for Selecting the State Fish:

When selecting the state fish for Gujarat, several factors were taken into consideration.

• Firstly, the uniqueness of the fish species played a significant role. This fish is not easily found, and reported catches are quite rare.

• Secondly, the economic value of the fish was also considered.

• Lastly, it was crucial to conserve the fish and prevent it from being excessively exploited.

Ribbon fish, pomfret, and Bombay Duck were among the other species that were considered for the designation of state fish.

Ghol Fish as a Sea Gold or Fisherman's Lottery

• This fish is truly a prized catch for fishermen who are fortunate enough to capture it. Not only is it delicious and considered a delicacy in many countries, but it also holds medicinal properties in others. The fish meat is exported as frozen fillets or whole fish to European and Middle-Eastern countries, while its air bladder, which is extracted from the stomach and dried, is primarily exported to China, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries where it is highly sought after for its medicinal value.

• The Ghol fish's high market value underscores its economic significance. In Gujarat, a kilogram of Ghol can fetch between Rs.5,000 to Rs.15,000. However, it is the dried air bladder of the fish that is the most expensive and can fetch up to Rs.25,000 per kilogram in the export market. With a weight of up to 25 kilograms, a single Ghol fish commands a substantial market value, making it a prized commodity in international trade.

The declaration of a state fish is a clear indication of the commitment to preserving and safeguarding the biodiversity of that specific fish species. Gujarat has now joined the list of states that are dedicated to conserving particular fish species, ensuring their survival and preventing them from becoming extinct.