Katla fish is a fish with a large and broad head, a large protruding lower jaw, and an upturned mouth. It is also known as the major South Asian carp, Weichseli carp, delta fish, and common carp. Katla is mainly found in freshwater streams and rivers.
They inhabit areas ranging from the Ganges River Basin to Pakistan’s Indus river drainage system. This species has a maximum length of around 30 centimeters or just under one foot. It is native to rivers and lakes in northern India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. Katla fish can be also found in Thailand and Vietnam.
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How to identify Katla fish?
Katla fish is a large and broad-headed fish. There are certain characteristics to help identify Katla fish. The eyes are large and prominent above the mouth. The lower jaw is held high and protrudes slightly, giving the fish a large “maw”.
It has a short snout and a short, wide mouth that can be opened very wide to catch smaller prey. It has a few barbels (whiskers) just behind the gill cover in front of the pectoral fins. It has also known under many other names, such as Bocha fish, Catle fish, and Bhakura fish.
Behavioral and Physical Characteristics
Katla fish is a predator, feeding mainly on other aquatic animals. They are believed to be solitary, and their behavior patterns may change upon capture. They usually hide in shallow water near rocks and other structures during the day.
These fish have been observed to tend to sit very low in the water column when not feeding. But after taking food they swim at a more upright position and tend to swim slowly with their dorsal fin erect.
Uses
Katla is a very popular fish in India and has been used as bait by fishermen. It is also eaten, especially by the poor people in communities along the streams. Katla fish are sold fresh in fish markets, or salted and dried to be consumed later.
The meat of Katla is white, firm, and less oily than the meat of other carp. When cooked Katla is said to taste similar to other white meat fishes like salmon or trout.
Breeding
The Katla fish is an egg-laying species. It is a broadcast spawner. They spawn in the summer months and die soon afterward, owing to the lack of parental care by either parent. This species is also used for commercial aquatic animal breeding of other fish.
Feeding
The Katla fish is omnivorous. Katla fish live in the middle water level of the pond. They eat foragers, including insects and small, benthic invertebrates, as well as plankton and detritus.
Katla is preyed on by several other fish and large aquatic animals.
Other care and management
These fish are often sold as bait in the markets. They are tolerant of cloudy water conditions and are praised by fishery officers for their ability to withstand low oxygen levels.
Special Considerations
Katla is a popular fish among Indians, especially among sports fishermen. Katla is classified as “Class III” in Indian local fishing regulations, prohibited from use in open waters except during fishing seasons set by the government of India (where it is legal to catch up to four per day), but a larger number may be caught if permitted.
Best 13 information
| Name | Katla fish. |
| Other Name | weichseli carp, delta fish, katlah, common carp. |
| Scientific Name | “Carassius auratus” Linn. |
| Kingdom | Animalia. |
| Phylum | Chordata. |
| Class | Actinopterygii. |
| Order | Cypriniformes. |
| Family | Cyprinidae. |
| Subfamily | Labeoninae. |
| Genus | Labeo. |
| Rarity | Common. |
| As Pets | Easy to keep. |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years. |
Conclusion
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