Jamnagar, Apr 29 (Agency): A fisherman in Gujarat's Jamnagar has virtually turned a crorepati following a prize catch in the high seas recently. Hasan Vagher struck gold when he caught nearly 350 Ghol fish from the Jhakhau creek in mid-sea. The catch is worth about Rs 1 Crore.

The scientific name of Ghol fish is Protonibea Diacanthus, a type of croaker, which has a big market in Singapore and Malaysia. This fish is considered amongst the most-expensive variety of the 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. Its fins are used by pharmaceutical companies to manufacture dissolvable stitches. The fins are also used in wine purification and are exported to countries like Singapore. Ghol reportedly sells in the market for nearly Rs 600 - 700 per kilogram.

A Ghol fish reportedly weighs between 15-20 kilograms. Vagher had to summon two trawlers owned by his relatives to help bring back his massive catch.

Vagher owned just a medium sized boat and, so far, his family had to struggle to make ends meet. But thanks to Ghol fish, he is starting to think big.

"I was fishing in the high seas in Jahkhau area of Kutch last week during which I managed to catch about 350 Ghol fish. With the grace of almighty I have got nearly Rs one crore which will change my life for good," said Vagher.

"Our struggle will hopefully come to an end with this bounty," said Harun Bhai, his brother.

The fishing season usually concludes by May 14, as the sea begins to turn rough prior to the monsoon and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.

"This was possibly the last trip of the season, which has proved lucky for me. I got such an expensive variety of fish, whose worth is in crores (of rupees). I feel good when people call me a crorepati," Vagher said.