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Ilish

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Hilsa" redirects here. For other uses, seeHilsa (disambiguation).

Ilish
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Clupeiformes
Family: Dorosomatidae
Genus: Tenualosa
Species:
T. ilisha
Binomial name
Tenualosa ilisha
Synonyms
  • Clupanodon ilishaHamilton, 1822
  • Clupea ilisha(Hamilton, 1822)
  • Hilsa ilisha(Hamilton, 1822)
  • Macrura ilisha(Hamilton, 1822)
  • Tenualosa illisha(Hamilton, 1822)
  • Tenualosa illsha(Hamilton, 1822)
  • Clupea palasahCuvier, 1829

Theilish(Tenualosa ilisha) (Bengali:ইলিশ,romanized:iliś), also known as theilishi,hilsa,hilsa herringorhilsa shad,is a species of fish related to theherring,in the familyClupeidae.It is a very popular and sought-after food fish in theIndian subcontinent,and is thenational fish of Bangladesh[3]and the state fish ofWest Bengal.[4]

As of 2021, 86% of the world's total ilish supply originates inBangladesh.The fish contributes about 12% of the total fish production and about 1.15% ofGDPinBangladesh.On 6 August 2017,Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarksunder theMinistry of IndustriesofBangladeshhas declared the recognition of ilish as the product ofBangladesh.As of 2021, 86% of the world's total ilish supply originates inBangladeshwhich applied forGeographical indication(GI) in 2004.[5]About 450,000 people are directly involved in the catching of the fish as a large part of their livelihood; around four to five million people are indirectly involved with the trade.[6]

Common names[edit]

Other names include jatka,illi, ilish, ellis, palla fish, hilsha, ilih etc. (Assamese:ইলীহ/ইলীহি:ilih/ilihi,Bengali:ইলিশ,romanized:iliś,Gujarati:મોદાર/પાલ્વા:Modar or Palva,Odia:ଇଲିଶି,romanized:iliśi,Sindhī:پلو مڇي pallo machhi,Tamil:உள்ள மீன்/Ulla Meen,Telugu:పులస pulasa). The name ilish is also used inIndia'sAssamese,Bengali,andOdiacommunities. InIraqit is called sboor (صبور). InMalaysiaandIndonesia,it is commonly known as terubok. Due to its distinguished features as being oily and tender, some Malays, especially in northern Johore, call it 'terubok umno' (to distinguish it from the toli - which species is rich in tiny bones and not so oily).[citation needed]InMyanmar,it is called (ငါးသလောက်) inBurmesewhich derives from theMon languageword ကသလံက် with က in Mon andငါးin Burmese meaning fish.[7]

Abundance of Ilish in Bangladesh
Abundance of hilsa fish in Bangladesh

Description and habitat[edit]

Ilish of Bangladesh

The fish is marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous; depth range of about 200 m. Within a tropical range; 34°N - 5°N, 42°E - 97°E in marine and freshwater. It can grow up to 60 cm in length with weights of up to 3 kg. It is found in rivers and estuaries inBangladesh,India,Pakistan,Myanmar(also known as Burma) and thePersian Gulfarea where it can be found in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in and aroundIranand southernIraq.[8]It has no dorsal spines but 18 – 21 dorsal soft rays and anal soft rays. The belly has 30 to 33 scutes. There is a distinct median notch in the upper jaw. Gill rakers fine and numerous, about 100 to 250 on the lower part of the arch and the fins are hyaline. The fish shows a dark blotch behind gill opening, followed by a series of small spots along the flank in juveniles. Color in life, silver shot with gold and purple. The species filter feeds on plankton and by grubbing muddy bottoms.[9]The fish schools in coastal waters and ascends up the rivers (anadromous) for around 50 – 100 km to spawn during the southwest monsoons (June to September) and also in January to April. April is the most fertile month for the breeding of ilish. The young fish returning to the sea are known in Bangladesh as jatka, which includes any ilish fish up to 9 inches long.

Production[edit]

The fish is found in 11 countries:Bangladesh,India,Myanmar,Pakistan,Iran,Iraq,Kuwait,Bahrain,Indonesia,MalaysiaandThailand.Bangladeshis the top hilsa-producing country in the world, followed by Myanmar and then India.[citation needed]

Hilsa fishes for sale at fish market inWest Bengal,India.

86 percent of the total hilsa catch is taken inBangladesh.Production has dropped in the other ten hilsa-producing countries; inBangladesh,however, production reached 517,000 tons in FY 2017–18, up from 279,189 tons in 2006–07, as a result of a strategy implemented by the Bangladeshi government.[citation needed]

Food value[edit]

Rice and hilsha fish fry with lentils and eggplant fry

The fish is popular food amongst the people ofSouth Asiaand in the Middle East, but especially withBengalis,OdiasandTelugusofCoastal Andhra.[citation needed]Bengali fish curry is a popular dish made with mustard oil or seed. TheBengalispopularly call this dishShorshe Ilish.[citation needed]It is very popular inBengal(Bangladeshand India'sWest Bengal), as well as inOdisha,Tripura,Assam,GujaratandAndhra Pradesh.[citation needed]It is also exported globally.[citation needed]

In North America (where ilish is not always readily available) othershadfish are sometimes used as an ilish substitute, especially inBengali cuisine.This typically occurs near the East coast of North America, where fresh shad fish having similar taste can be found.[citation needed]

In Bangladesh, fish are caught in theMeghna-Jamunadelta,[10]which flows into theBay of Bengaland Meghna (lowerBrahmaputra), andJamunarivers.

In India,Rupnarayan(which has theKolaghaterhilsa),Hooghly,Mahanadi,[11]NarmadaandGodavaririvers and theChilika Lakeare famous for their fish yields.

  • Pulasa – The Godavari King - Andhra Pradesh - [Not a regular Hilsa]

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, hilsa takes on a special significance.Here, the term "pulasa" refers specifically to the larger, mature hilsa that migrate upstream along the Godavari River.This migratory journey is crucial, as it's believed that the Godavari's unique muddy waters contribute to the development of a richer flavor and firmer texture in the fish, compared to hilsa caught elsewhere.

So, all Pulasa's are Hilsa's, but not every Hilsa is a Pulasa.

Due to this perceived superior quality and its limited seasonal availability (typically monsoon season), pulasa commands a significantly higher price and cultural importance in Andhra Pradesh. It is considered a rich delicacy, often referred to as the "king of fish" in Godavari Areas and features in celebratory meals and as a prized gift. The upstream migration itself is seen as a vital natural process, and the pulasa a reward for the patient fishermen who wait for its arrival.

The High Price of Pulasa and common scams: The high cost of pulasa makes it a target for unscrupulous vendors. Finding genuine pulasa can be a tough task, as some may try to pass off regular hilsa as the more prized catch. Consumers are advised to be cautious and rely on trusted sources when purchasing pulasa, especially during the off-season. This regional distinction highlights the importance of habitat and migration patterns in shaping the cultural perception and value of fish like hilsa. It also emphasizes the challenges associated with ensuring authenticity and quality in the seafood market.

In Pakistan, most hilsa fish are caught in theIndus River DeltainSindh.They are also caught in the sea, but some consider the marine stage of the fish as not so tasty. The fish has very sharp and tough bones, making it problematic to eat for some.[citation needed]

Ilish is anoily fishrich inomega 3 fatty acids.[12]Recent experiments have shown its beneficial effects in decreasing cholesterol level in rats[13]and insulin level.[14]

InBengalandOdisha,ilish can be smoked, fried, steamed or baked in youngplantainleaves, prepared withmustard seedpaste, curd,eggplant,different condiments likejira(cumin) and so on. It is said that people can cook ilish in more than 50 ways.[15]Ilishroeis also popular as a side dish. Ilish can be cooked in very little oil since the fish itself is very oily.[16]

Ilish in culture[edit]

Shorshe ilish,a dish of smoked ilish withmustard seeds,has been an important part ofBengali cuisine.
  • InAndhra Pradesh,the saying goes "Pustelu ammi ayina Pulasa tinocchu", meaning roughly "It's worth eating Pulasa/Ilish even if you have to sell yourmangala sutra.[17]
  • In manyBengali Hindufamilies a pair of ilish fishes (Bengali:Jora Ilish) are bought on auspicious days, for example for special prayers orpujadays like for the Hindu Goddess of music, art and knowledgeSaraswati Puja,which takes place in the beginning ofSpringor on the day ofLakshmi Puja(The Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity) which takes place inautumn.[18]Some people offer the fish to the goddessLakshmi,without which the Puja is sometimes thought to be incomplete.
  • Ilish is the national fish ofBangladesh.[3]
  • In Bengal ilish is also used during wedding astattwagift. DuringGaye Holudtattwathe family of the groom presents a pair of ilish to the family of the bride. However, due to the scarcity of ilish, nowadays it is often replaced byRohuinWest Bengal,while the tradition continues inBangladesh.[citation needed]
  • InBangladeshandWest Bengal,a famous dish which tastes good with fried ilish fish is 'khichudi' (a special way of cooking lentils and rice together with some added herbs). It is popular among all Bengalis during monsoon which is known as the month of ilish. InBangladeshandWest Bengal,ilish is often termed as the 'Queen' of fishes.[citation needed]
  • This fish is known as pulasa in Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh State in India. The name Pulasa stays with the fish for a limited period between July-Sept of a year, when floods (muddy) water flow in Godavari River. This time the fish is in high demand and sometimes $100 per kilo.[19][20]
  • Hilsha fish called Pallo Machi is important part ofSindhi cuisine,prepared with numerous cooking methods. It can be deep fried and garnished with local spices, can be cooked with onions and potatoes into a traditional fish meal or barbequed. The fish often has roe, which is called "aani" in Sindhi and is enjoyed as a delicacy. Often fried alongside the palla and served with the fish fillets.[21][22][23]
  • The rivalry of East Bengal and Mohon Bagan, two football clubs of Kolkata (Calcutta) are celebrated by food. When East Bengal wins, an ilish (hilsha) dish is cooked by the East Bengal supporter. Similarly, when Mohon Bagan wins, a Chingri (Prawn) dish is prepared by the Mohon Bagan supporter.[citation needed]

Overfishing and possible extinction[edit]

Due to the demand and popularity of this species,overfishingis rampant. Fishes weighing around 2 to 3 kilograms have become rare in India, as even the smaller fish are caught using finer fishing nets as production in Bangladesh have increased.[24][25]As a consequence of this, prices of the fish have risen. In the past ilish were not harvested betweenVijaya DashamiandSaraswati Pujadue to some informal customs ofOdiaandBengali Hindusas it is the breeding period of the fish. But as disposable incomes grew, wealthier consumers abandoned the old traditions.[26]The advent of finerfishing netsand advancedtrawlingtechniques, andenvironmental degradationof the rivers, has worsened the situation. Fishermen have been ignoring calls to at least leave the juvenile "jatka" alone to repopulate the species. The fishing of the young jatka is now illegal inBangladesh.This ban however has resulted in a rise in un-employment, as around 83,000 fishermen are unable to pursue their former livelihood for eight months every year. It has also led to the creation of a black market where jatka are sold for exorbitant prices.[27]Furthermore, the changes brought about byglobal warminghave led to a gradual depletion of the ilish's breeding grounds, reducing populations of the fish even further.[28]Pollution in Indian rivers have worsened the situation, but due to slightly better waters the fishes are found more near Bangladesh delta.[25]Owing to this situation ilish is used as a diplomatic trade item for COVID-19 vaccines too.[29]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Freyhof, J. (2014)."Tenualosa ilisha".IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.2014:e.T166442A1132697.doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T166442A1132697.en.Retrieved19 November2021.
  2. ^Al-Khalaf, K.; Alam, S.; Almukhtar, M.; Bishop, J.; Abdulqader, E.; Alghawzi, Q.; Al-Husaini, M.; Hartmann, S.; Kaymaram, F. (2015)."Tenualosa ilisha".IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.2015:e.T166442A75259795.
  3. ^abWebb, Lois Sinaiko; Roten, Lindsay Grace (2009),The Multicultural Cookbook for Students,ABC-CLIO,ISBN978-0-313-37559-0
  4. ^"State Fishes of India"(PDF).National Fisheries Development Board, Government of India.Retrieved25 December2020.
  5. ^"Recognition for hilsa".The Daily Star.8 August 2017.Retrieved16 January2019.
  6. ^Siddique, Abu Bakar."Country's 6th Ilish sanctuary coming soon".Dhaka Tribune.Retrieved23 May2015.
  7. ^Haswell, J. M. (1874).Grammatical Notes and Vocabulary of the Peguan Language.Rangoon: American Mission Press. p. 31.
  8. ^Al-Dubakel, A. Y. (2011)."Commercial Fishing and Marketing of Hilsa Shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton-Buchanon, 1822) in Basrah -Southern Iraq".Emirates Journal of Food Agriculture.23(2). Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2014.Retrieved22 May2014.
  9. ^"Tenualosa ilisha".FishBase.
  10. ^"Highway extortion responsible for surge in Ilish prices".Dhaka Tribune.Retrieved3 May2016.
  11. ^"Bioinformatics Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India".Biosearch.in. 1 February 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 6 May 2013.Retrieved22 April2013.
  12. ^Mohanty, Bimal; Das, Soma; Bhaumik, Utpal; Sharma, Anil (March 2011)."Tenualosa ilisha: A rich source of omega-3 PUFAs"(PDF).Bulletin(171). Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute.ISSN0970-616X.
  13. ^Banerjee I, Saha S, Dutta J (June 1992). "Comparison of the effects of dietary fish oils with different n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions on plasma and liver lipids in rats".Lipids.27(6): 425–8.doi:10.1007/BF02536383.PMID1630277.S2CID4033041.
  14. ^Mahmud I, Hossain A, Hossain S, Hannan A, Ali L, Hashimoto M (2004)."Effects ofHilsa ilisafish oil on the atherogenic lipid profile and glycaemic status of streptozotocin-treated type 1 diabetic rats ".Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol.31(1–2): 76–81.doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.03953.x.PMID14756688.S2CID25883400.Archived fromthe originalon 5 January 2013.
  15. ^"216 easy and tasty hilsa recipes by home cooks".Cookpad.Retrieved26 October2023.
  16. ^Karmakar, Rekha (9 September 2015)."A Fish Lover's Guide To Cooking Hilsa".www.indiafoodnetwork.in.Retrieved26 October2023.
  17. ^"What the fish! Godavari Pulasa selling for Rs 4,000 per kg".The Times of India.Retrieved18 February2018.
  18. ^"Ilish... a love story".dna.24 May 2014.Retrieved3 May2016.
  19. ^"What the fish! Godavari Pulasa selling for Rs 4,000 per kg".The Times of India.Retrieved18 February2018.
  20. ^"Pulasa season starts early".The Times of India.Retrieved18 February2018.
  21. ^Khan, M. Hussain (2 April 2019)."The palla, the shrine, the catch and the cook".Dawn.
  22. ^Karmakar, Kalyan (24 April 2018)."10 Reasons to Get Invited to a Sindhi Household for Dinner".NDTV Food.
  23. ^Sen, Pritha (9 July 2017)."A fishy fable: If it's monsoon, it must rain hilsas".The Indian Express.
  24. ^Dasgupta, Reshmi R. (13 August 2012)."Bengalis are loving Ilish to extinction".The Economic Times.
  25. ^ab"Hilsa Fish: অসুস্থ গঙ্গা থেকে মুখ ফিরিয়ে মায়ানমার পাড়ি দিচ্ছে ইলিশের ঝাঁক".anandabazar.com(in Bengali).Retrieved24 September2021.
  26. ^Mazumdar, Jaideep (1 September 2008)."The Last Ilish Curry".Outlook.
  27. ^Moitra, Kalyan (1 July 2002)."Hilsa may soon become endangered: Experts".The Times of India.Archived fromthe originalon 1 July 2013.
  28. ^"Bangladesh's Hilsa Fish Acts as Early Warning of Climate Change".Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2014.Retrieved1 July2013.
  29. ^ভ্যাকসিন নেই, তাই ইলিশও নেই!(in Bengali). Deutsche Welle. 22 June 2021.Retrieved25 September2021.

External links[edit]

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