Context:

• The Gujarat Government chose the Black-spotted croaker or the ‘ghol fish’ as state fish.

About Ghol Fish

• Habitat: The Ghol fish is usually found in the Indo-Pacific region that stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. 
  • The fish is found in the marine areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra in a golden-brown color.
  • It is found in coastal waters over muddy bottoms off the seabed. 
  • It ascends tidal rivers and estuaries and feeds on crustaceans and small fishes.

• IUCN Red List Assessment:  Near Threatened (2020)
• Importance: The fish is considered a delicacy in many countries. 
  • While the meat of the fish is exported as frozen fillet or whole fish to European and Middle-Eastern countries.
• It is used for medicinal purposes. 
  • Its air bladder — which is cut open from the stomach and dried — is mainly exported to China, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries where it is in high demand for its medicinal values.

Significance:

• The declaration will enable Gujarat to be a part of its conservation efforts. 
• Concerns: This species is threatened by overexploitation in parts of its range and forms spawning aggregations which are targeted by subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries.               

News Source: The Indian Express