We all know how expensive the famed Pulasa fish is. People were shocked to learn that a Pulasa fish was sold for Rs. 31,000 in East Godavari district a few days ago. Pulasa lovers have resigned to the fact that it is beyond their capacity to have a bite of the rare fish variety.
Recently, a fisherman in Prakasam caught a giant fish called ‘Kachhidi,’ also known as Kachhili fish. A single fish weighed 28 kilogram. Local traders competed to buy the fish. Finally, it was sold for Rs 1.7 lakh.
Going cheap
Rs 1.7 lakh for a 28 kg fish sounds impressive, but fish connoisseurs consider the price to be very low. This variety commands a very high price. A fisherman caught 30 kg Kachhidi fish last year on the Kakinada coast. The fish was put up for auction in Kumbhabhishekam port where it was bought for a whopping Rs 2.05 lakh. A trader from Kakinada bought it and exported it to Howrah. In Prakasam district, a trader named Darakonda bought the fish. He is likely to export it to Howrah or some other city to sell at a higher price.
Why so costly?
Kachhidi fish is not just an edible fish like Pulasa; it is believed to have medicinal value. Its stomach parts are used in making medicines. Male Kacchidi fish fetches more price than the female. Catguts used for sutures during surgeries are made from its body parts. Besides, some parts are used in preparation of premium wines.
Since this fish has several benefits, the seemingly high price of Rs 1.70 lakh is considered low than the normal price.