Hilsa Fish – Nutrition, Benefits, Uses, Recipes, Price

The Hilsa fish (Ilish fish) is a very popular species of fish in the herring family which is very popular as food fish in the Indian subcontinent. It is also known by many other different names such as Ilish, Hilsha, Hilsa herring, Hilsa Shad, Ellis, Modar, Palva, Pallo Machhi, Sboor, Terubuk etc.

Hilsa is very popular in it’s native area and it is the national fish of Bangladesh, and the state fish of West Bengal. But the worlds famous Hilsa fish comes from Padma River, Bangladesh (Padma River is the main distributary of the Ganges).

Along with Bangladesh, Hilsa fish is also available in some other countries such as India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. But Bangladesh is the top Hilsa producing country in the world followed by Myanmar and then India. As of 2021, about 86 percent of the world’s total Ilish fish supply originates in Bangladesh.

Currently the Hilsa fish is widespread, and is listed as Least Concern. But there have been serious declines in some major populations due to overfishing by commercial fisheries.

What are the Differences Between Hilsa and Ilish Fish?

None, Both Hilsa and Ilish are correct names for the same fish. The name can vary depending on the region and language. In Bengali and some other Indian languages, it is commonly known as Ilish.

While in English and other languages, it is often referred to as Hilsa. So, both names are correct, and they are used interchangeably to describe this popular fish.

Why is Hilsa Fish Very Popular?

The Hilsa fish is very popular in its native area mainly because it has a unique taste and it is considered a delicacy in many places. It is also rich in nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for human health.

Most of the people like its flavor. And Hilsa is often used in traditional dishes that have been passed down for generations. Cultural symbol in some regions is also another reason for its popularity, and some people have a strong emotional connection to it.

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Characteristics

The Hilsa fish is easily characterized by it’s unique appearance. It has fusiform body, which is deep and laterally compressed. It has no dorsal spines, but has 18-21 dorsal soft rays and anal soft rays.

The belly has 30-33 scutes. Body of these fish is generally covered with big sized scales. And their body is generally of bright silver color, with slightly green backside.

They have straight or slightly curved gill rakers, and have no teeth on the jaws. The mature Hilsa fish can reach up to 60 cm body length. The males are generally smaller than the females. And these fish can grow up to 3 kg live body weight.

Habitat

Hilsa fish are primarily found in the estuaries and coastal waters of the Indian subcontinent. They are mostly found in rivers, deltas, and the Bay of Bengal. Hilsa fish migrate upstream to freshwater rivers during the monsoon season to breed and spawn.

Conservation status

Hilsa fish is an important food fish and is subject to intense fishing pressure. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction have led to a decline in the Hilsa fish population in recent years.

The conservation status of the Hilsa fish is considered vulnerable, and several measures have been taken to conserve the species, such as regulating fishing practices and promoting sustainable aquaculture.

Diet

The Hilsa fish are filter feeders. They generally filter feeds by grubbing muddy bottoms, and eat different types of plankton. Their diet commonly include small plant, diatoms, rotifera, microcystis, oscillatoria, spirogyra, protozoa, algae etc.

The diet of the Hilsa fish changes with its growth stages. Young Hilsa fish are primarily feed on small zooplankton such as rotifers and copepods. They shift their diet towards larger planktonic organisms (such as diatoms and algae) as they grow. Adult Hilsa fish are feed on a variety of planktonic organisms, with a preference for small crustaceans.

Breeding/Reproduction

The Hilsa fish generally reach maturity within their 1-2 years of age. They breed mainly in rivers, upstream to about 50 km or even over 1000 km as in the Ganges.

But the younger fish may breed in the tidal zone of rivers. The main breeding season of this fish is during the southwest monsoon from May to August.

Hilsa fish migrate upstream to freshwater rivers during the monsoon season, from June to September, to breed and spawn. Depending on the size of the females, they can lay up to 2 million eggs per spawning.

The breeding behavior of Hilsa fish is influenced by various environmental factors, including water temperature, water flow, and the availability of suitable spawning grounds.

Female Hilsa fish lay their eggs in freshwater rivers, and males fertilize them externally. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then drift downstream to the estuaries and the sea. The larvae undergo various developmental stages, and it takes several months for them to mature into adult fish.

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Culinary Uses and Popular Dishes

The Hilsa fish is mainly used as food. It is well known and very popular mainly for its delicious taste and unique flavor. It is highly valued in Bangladesh, India and some other South Asian countries.

There are hardy any people among the South Asians who has not tried a Hilsa fish recipes, especially the Bengali people. Numerous traditional Hilsa fish recipes available which are very tasty and easy to prepare. Some popular dishes are:

  • Sorse Ilish
  • Ilish Bhapa
  • Ilish Bhaja
  • Ilish Machher Jhol
  • Ilish Paturi
  • Ilish Macher Tel Jhal
  • Ilish Pulao
  • Ilisher Tel Koi
  • Ilisher Jhol
  • Ilisher Paturi Biryani
  • Ilisher Macher Matha Die Bharta

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Hilsa fish is highly nutritious and is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. It is especially beneficial for heart health and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Consuming Hilsa fish also helps to maintain beautiful and healthy skin.

Hilsa fish is used to treat a variety of health conditions in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and asthma. It is believed that the fish has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate pain and inflammation in the body.

Cultural Significance

Hilsa fish holds a significant place in the cultural and social traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the national fish of Bangladesh and is highly valued for its cultural and religious importance.

It is also an essential part of various festivals and ceremonies, including weddings, birthdays, and religious events. The preparation and sharing of Hilsa fish dishes are seen as a way of bringing people together and strengthening social bonds.

Hilsa is also highly valued for its cultural significance in India. It is considered a delicacy in the Eastern state of West Bengal, and is an essential part of traditional Bengali cuisine.

Hilsa fish is also associated with the festival of Durga Puja, where it is served as a special offering to the goddess Durga, and also in Bengali New Year, and is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

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Economic Significance

Hilsa fish is not only valued for its cultural significance but also for its economic importance. It is a valuable food fish, and its has very high demand and value in the market.

Hilsa fish is also exported to various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, generating significant revenue for the region.

Special Notes

The Hilsa fish is a very important fish species in its native area. It is commercially very important is some south Asian countries. It is highly valued in Bangladesh and India (especially in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).

It is a very popular fish amongst the people of South Asia and Middle East, but especially with Bengalis and Odias. It is highly popular mainly because of it’s flavor and taste. The fish is also exported globally.

The Hilsa is actually an oily fish, and is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. It is generally marketed fresh, frozen, smoked and salted.

A dish named ‘Sorse Illish‘, prepared with mustard seed paste is very popular amongst the Bengalis. It is said that people can cook the fish in more than 50 ways. However, review full breed profile of this fish in the table below.

NameHilsa
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderClupeiformes
FamilyClupeidae
GenusTenualosa
SpeciesT. ilisha
Binomial Name/Scientific NameTenualosa ilisha
Other NamesAlso known as Ilish, Hilsa herring, Hilsa Shad, Ellis, Modar, Palva, Pallo Machhi, Sboor, Terubuk etc
Breed PurposeMainly food
WeightCan reach up to 3 kg
Special NotesEconomically very important fish species of Bangladesh, India and some other south Asian countries, highly valued in India, Bangladesh and also in international market, especially very popular amongst the Bengalis, highly valued for it’s flavor and taste, exported globally, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, marketed fresh, frozen, smoked and salted
Breeding MethodNatural
Climate ToleranceNative climates
Body ColorBright silver
RarityCommon
AvailabilityAsia
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People ask many questions about Hilsa fish. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this fish species, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Is Hilsa fish farming possible?

Hilsa fish farming can be possible, but it is a challenging endeavor as the fish has a complex life cycle and requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. And the fish is highly sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, making it difficult to maintain optimal conditions for growth.

Why is Hilsa is called king of fish?

Hilsa is called king of fish in the areas where it is found, especially in Bangladesh. It is considered as one of the most tastiest fish due to it’s distinctly soft oily texture, mouthwatering flavor and superb mouthfeel.

Why is Hilsa fish so expensive?

Hilsa is so expensive mainly because of it’s high demand and less availability.

Where to buy Hilsa fish near me?

Please visit any of your nearest fish market. You can also order online.

Is Salmon and Hilsa same?

No, both are different fish species. Hilsa is a very popular and special fish to Indians and Bangladeshi people. And Salmon is very popular in the United States.

Which country eat Hilsa fish?

Bangladesh is the largest consumer of Hilsa fish, with around 86 percent of the total worldwide consumption.

Which fish taste like Hilsa fish?

The milk fish tastes very similar to the Hilsa fish.

Why do Bengalis love Hilsa?

Because, it is considered as one of the most tastiest fish due to it’s distinctly soft oily texture, mouthwatering flavor and superb mouthfeel.

Who is the queen of fish?

Hilsa is called the queen of fish in Bangladesh, and in West Bengal state of India.

Does Hilsa fish have mercury?

Yes, they have, but in very low quantity.

Does Hilsa have bones?

Yes! Actually they have too many small bones. It has around 46-48 vertebrae, and roughly 1,500 smaller bones.

Is Hilsa fish healthy?

Yes, sure! Hilsa is a very nutritious fish and good for health. It is a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA.

Can a kidney patient eat Hilsa fish?

No, the kidney patients should not eat Hilsa.

How do you eat Hilsa?

Hilsa fish can be eaten in many ways. The most common and most popular dish is ‘shorshe ilish‘ in Bangladesh.

What are the side effects of Hilsa fish?

Eating Hilsa fish is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to the possibility of seaborne contaminants, such as dioxins, mercury, or other heavy metals. Eating Hilsa can also cause allergic reactions to this fish although they are not so common.

What does Hilsa taste like?

Hilsa is known for it’s grate taste and sweetish flavor.

What is Hilsa fish called in Malayalam?

The Hilsa is called “Paluva” in Malayalam.

What is Hilsa called in Tamil?

The Hilsa is called “Ullam, Oolum, Vengannai, Seva” in Tamil.

Is Hilsa fish good for high blood pressure?

Yes, Hilsa is totally safe for the high blood pressure patients. Actually, consuming Hilsa may help to reduce risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol.

Is Hilsa fish good for diabetes?

Yes, but the patients should consume only a moderate amount.

Which Hilsa is best?

The Hilsa fish from Padma river is best and most tasty.

Can you debone Hilsa?

Deboning a Hilsa is one of the most challenging tasks because in all other fish, there is only one central bone and other side bones.

Does hilsa fish have bad cholesterol?

Hilsa is fatty and contains cholesterol, but it may reduce bad blood cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Does Hilsa fish increase uric acid?

Yes, and high intake of this food increases uric acids.

Is Hilsa a saltwater fish?

Yes, Hilsa is actually a saltwater fish, which is naturally found in the Bay of Bengal.

Is Hilsa fish good for psoriasis?

Yes, eating this fish regularly protects the skin from eczema and psoriasis.

What does Hilsa fish eat?

Hilsa fish is mainly feed on phytoplankton, with a small quantity of zooplankton.

Is Hilsa and Pulasa same?

Yes, both are same. Pulasa is the local name of Hilsa.

What is Poddar Ilish?

Poddar Ilish is the Hilsa fish found and caught from the Padma river.

Is Hilsa from the carp fish?

No, Hilsa is not like the carp fish. They are grown and found in the natural sources.

What is the national fish of Bangladesh?

Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh.

Why is Hilsa fish costly?

Hilsa is very costly mainly because of it’s high demand as compared to total production.

What is Hilsa fish called in English?

Hilsa is called Hilsa Herring or Hilsa Shad in English.

Is Hilsa sea or river fish?

Actually, Hilsa has a wide range of distribution and occurs in marine, estuarine and riverine environments.

What type of fish is Hilsa?

Hilsa is a kind of Indian herring.

What is the importance of Hilsa fish?

Hilsa is the ‘national fish’ of Bangladesh. It is the fish of choice for most people and is of both religious and cultural importance.

What are the main characteristics of Hilsa fish?

The Hilsa fish has fusiform body, which is deep and laterally compressed. It has no dorsal spines, but has 18-21 dorsal soft rays and anal soft rays. The belly has 30-33 scutes. Body of these fish is generally covered with big sized scales. And their body is generally of bright silver color, with slightly green backside. They have straight or slightly curved gill rakers, and have no teeth on the jaws. A mature Hilsa can reach up to 60 cm body length. The males are generally smaller than the females. And these fish can grow up to 3 kg live body weight.

Why Hilsa is very popular in Bangladesh?

Hilsa is commercially a very important fish species in Bangladesh and India. And it contributes about 12 percent of the total fish production, and about 1 percent of GDP in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, about 450,000 people are directly involved with the catching for livelihood. And many people are indirectly involved with the trade. It is also the national fish of Bangladesh.

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