Ilish

Ilish (also known as Hilsa, Hilsa herring or Hilsa shad) is a species of fish in the herring family (Clupeidae), and it is popular food in the Indian subcontinent. The scientific name of this fish is Tenualosa ilisha, and it is a member of the genus Tenualosa.

Distribution and habitat

Ilish is a sea fish but it migrates to large rivers for spawning. The major habitats of Ilish are the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf. In the Indian subcontinent, it is found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Padma rivers.

As food

Ilish is considered a delicacy in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. The fish is typically cooked in mustard sauce, and it is also used in various traditional dishes like panta bhat (fermented rice), shorshe ilish (hilsa with mustard sauce), and ilish bhapa (steamed hilsa).

Economic importance

Ilish has significant economic importance in Bangladesh and India. It contributes to a large portion of the countries' fish production and plays a crucial role in the economy. The fish is also exported to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Middle East countries.

Conservation

Due to overfishing, the population of Ilish is declining. Several conservation measures have been taken to protect this species. In Bangladesh, a ban on catching Ilish is imposed during its breeding season.

See also

• List of fish in Bangladesh
• List of fish in India