Rising oil prices elevate cuttlefish price

Fuel prices weigh on cuttlefish prices in the Myeik area, said local traders.
“The cuttlefish was priced at K15,000 per viss before. The rising oil prices affected the fresh fish supply and hiked the price up to K25,000 per viss. They are mostly sent to China and India,” said a trader.
The mating season of cuttlefish is April-May. Fishing of cuttlefish is suspended during the mating season. The fishing season is from the winter to early summer. Cuttlefish live in saltwater. The reproduction rate increases in warm environments. One-year-old cuttlefish can mate and reproduce. The life expectancy of the cuttlefish is three years at maximum. The female cuttlefish can spawn over 100,000 eggs.
Cuttlefish and squid are commercially valued fishery products. The cuttlefish of 1-10 inches caught in the Myeik area are sent to domestic fish markets. Those cuttlefish sized below 2 inches are dried, while those sized above 3 inches are frozen and processed. Frozen cuttlefish are exported to Thailand and China purchased the processed ones. Cuttlefish and squid are good sources of protein and are rich in protein and other minerals. They can be used in a variety of dishes (fried, steamed, roasted, curry and salad). It is a popular dish in hotels. — TWA/EM