Hilsa Shad

Hilsa Shad, commonly known as Hilsa or Ilish, is a prized freshwater and estuarine fish found mainly in South Asia, especially Bangladesh and India. It has a distinctive silvery body and a rich, oily flesh with a unique flavor appreciated in local cuisines. Hilsa is important both economically and culturally, often considered the national fish of Bangladesh. It migrates upstream to breed and is typically caught during the monsoon season. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, Hilsa populations have declined, prompting conservation efforts to ensure its sustainability.