Seven rare Kooral Fish fetch Rs. 3.67 lakh at Pamban auction

Seven Kooral fish caught in a fisherman’s net near Pamban in Ramanathapuram district were sold for Rs. 3,67,500 at an auction, attracting attention because of their high-value swim bladders, locally known as “netti”.
The fish, weighing a combined 105 kg, were caught during a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mannar.
More than 90 mechanised boats had ventured into the sea from Pamban on Wednesday, and the catch was brought ashore on Thursday.
Each fish weighed around 15 kg. The entire lot fetched Rs. 3,500 per kg, taking the total sale value to Rs. 3.67 lakh.
Local fishermen said Kooral fish are generally not used for regular food consumption. Their swim bladders, which resemble rubber tubes, are in demand for various uses, including certain medical applications. They are also reportedly used in the preparation of premium alcoholic beverages and jelly candies, where they help improve texture and preservation.
The swim bladders are also used to prepare expensive soups in some East Asian countries, contributing to their high market value.
The unusually high auction price for the seven fish drew interest among the fishing community in Pamban.