Overnight billionaire! Karachi fisherman nets fortune with rare medicinal fish

Overnight, a fisherman in Karachi, Pakistan, experienced a sudden windfall, transforming into a millionaire through the auction of a rare catch with significant medicinal properties. Haji Baloch, residing in the impoverished Ibrahim Hyderi fishing village, and his team captured the elusive "Sowa" or golden fish from the Arabian Sea on Monday.

The entire haul, deemed invaluable due to the medicinal substances found in its belly, was auctioned at Karachi harbour on Friday morning for approximately 70 million rupees, according to Mubarak Khan from the Pakistan Fishermen Folk Forum.

The Sowa fish, weighing between 20 to 40 kgs and reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters, is highly coveted in East Asian countries. Valued at around 7 million rupees per fish in auctions, it is renowned for its healing properties, with a thread-like substance from its body even utilized in surgical procedures.


Apart from its economic significance, the Sowa holds cultural and traditional importance, featuring prominently in local cuisines and traditional medicines. Haji Baloch, recounting the unexpected discovery in the open sea of Karachi, expressed gratitude for the windfall and mentioned plans to share the proceeds with his crew of seven.

Notably, the Sowa fish typically ventures near the coast during its breeding season, adding to its rarity and allure.