Protonibea diacanthus


Protonibea diacanthus, commonly known as the blackspotted croaker, is a species of fish native to the Indo-Pacific region.
This fish is considered amongst the most-expensive variety of marine fish. Its heart is known as the 'Sea Gold', which is said to have medicinal properties and is an important ingredient in making a variety of medicines.

Commercial Importance

The fish is considered a delicacy, it is prized in East Asia for the medicinal properties of its internal organs. The highest grade fish are procured by countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.
The most expensive known catch of a blackspotted croaker was made by two Indian fishermen near the Mumbai-Palghar coastline; the fish weighing 30 kg.
Local name of these fish is ghol fish and their value depends on gender, a 30 kg male fish can be 4-5 lakh and a female one 1-2 lakh. The value varies according to size and thickness of the fishes internal organs. In satpati Mumbai the price of bhot is around 5-6 lakh/kg and meat 500-600 Rs/kg.