‘Pulasa’ is considered an exotic fish to eat as it holds the fantasy of the people in both the Telugu states. This is a seasonal fish that swims opposite to the current and its taste is said to be legendary. Two fishes each weighing 2 kg cost Rs. 31000. Lower and middle class income sections cannot even imagine to buy the fish, but there are instances of people from these sections buying ‘Pulasa’ by taking loans.
‘Pulasa’ takes its birth in the ocean. It is called ‘Ilasa’ as long as it is in the sea water. These fishes swim towards the mouth of the Godavari river in the opposite direction of the current. In this process, they lose fat and their skin turns into silver-white. Pulasa fish generally appears in Godavari districts but they are becoming scarce lately. If a fisherman catches even a single fish of this variety, it will make his day. Scarcity and the exotic appeal made these species to be sold for exorbitant prices.
The price of this fish will never drop under Rs.3000 per kg. Last year, one kilogram was sold for Rs.9000 near Antarvedi. A fisherman caught ‘Pulasa’ at Chinchinada bridge near Rajolu in East Godavari district on Tuesday. He sold those two fishes for Rs.31000 to Barre Sreenu, former Sarpanch of Appanaramuni Lanka in Sakhinetipalli Mandal. Cooking ‘Pulasa’ is a special art and people who cook this delicacy are in great demand. Even people from cities order and get the fish delivered to them.
It is said that if a person eats ‘Pulasa’, its taste will haunt him for a life time. Even Sir Arthur Cotton was a big fan of this fish. Even though he lived in Madras, farmers used to cook ‘Pulasa’ and send it to his residence. Mega family heroes are said to love the taste of ‘Pulasa’ and their fans and relatives send it regularly to them.