Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is a highly prized fish in India, Bangladesh, and other countries in the Bay of Bengal region. It is known for its delicious taste and high nutritional value.
Here's the migratory pattern:
* Breeding Season: Hilsa spawn during the monsoon season (typically June-August).
* Migration: They migrate from the Bay of Bengal, up the major river systems like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
* Spawning: They lay eggs in the freshwater sections of these rivers.
* Larvae and Juveniles: The larvae develop in the freshwater, and the juveniles grow in the brackish water near the river mouths.
* Return to the Sea: After a few months, the fish migrate back to the sea to feed and grow further.
This cyclical migration is essential for the survival of the Hilsa population. However, factors like dam construction, pollution, and overfishing threaten their numbers.