Bullseye snakehead fish, locally known as Koramenu, a non-vegetarian’s delight during the summer in many parts of Andhra Pradesh, is in a great demand even during the ongoing rainy season in the city.
The fresh water fish is fetching up to Rs.400 a kg in Krishna district and even small-sized fish are being sold for a minimum of Rs.250 a kg. at Pamarru and Vuyyuru junctions. The high demand led to the price rising abnormally on Sunday and Tuesday. The price was double that of chicken and varied from one selling point to another depending on demand.
Local communities such as fishermen and Yanadi tribe catch the muddy-coloured fish when the local ponds and canals of the Krishna dry up in summer across the Krishna delta region. “Huge quantity of Koramenu fish comes from West Godavari district largely from Eluru area, where farmers grow it in their ponds. Nevertheless, the big-sized fish has become a ‘hotcake’ in Vijayawada city,” says Sala Nagaraju, who sells the fish at Kanuru junction in the city.
Offering Koramenu curry is still considered the best way to honour guests in many parts of Andhra Pradesh. Inclusion of the item in the menu of the feast is seen as a matter of prestige.
