Catla Fish – Characteristics, Uses, Nutrition, Benefits

Catla fish is a very popular and well known fish species in South Asian countries. It is highly available in the local market, and there is hardly a person in this region who has not heard the name of Catla fish. It has high demand and is a very popular freshwater fish in India and Bangladesh, especially among the Bengali people.

The Catla is an economically very important South Asian freshwater fish. It is in the carp family Cyprinidae. The fish is mainly found in the rives and lakes in northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Myanmar. Catla is the third most popular freshwater fish species in India.

Catla fish is known by many different local names in different areas where the fish is available. It is also called as Katla, Katol, Indian Major carp, Chepti, Baudhekra, Bacha, Karakatla, Tambra, Bhakura, Bengal Carp, Karaka, Botchee etc.

Catla is a freshwater fish species, and it is found rarely in brakish water. Some common habitats of this fish species are baors, beels, canals, ditch, floodplains, haors, lake, ponds and lakes. The fish is generally marketed in fresh condition, and it command a good market price and consumer demand.

Why Catla Fish is Very Popular?

Catla is a very popular fish in the Indian subcontinent for some reasons. It is very popular mainly because it is highly available, affordable price, tastes good, nutritious and preparation is very easy.

Today, the Catla fish is commercially cultivated in many countries where it is available. It’s higher growth rate and compatibility with other major carps, specific surface feeding habit, and consumer preference have increased it’s popularity in commercial carp fish farming system among the fish farmers.

What are The Importance of Catla Fish in Aquaculture and Fisheries?

Catla fish has very good local demand and the price is also good, so it is a very important fish species in aquaculture and fisheries. Commercial catla fish farming can be a great business for generating huge profits and creating good employment source for the unemployed people.

Higher growth rate of Catla fish and it’s compatibility with other major carp fish species, specific surface feeding habit, and consumer preference have increased it’s popularity in fisheries or aquaculture system among the fish farmers.

Characteristics

Catla is a beautiful fish species with distinctive physical characteristics. It has a large and broad head, a large protruding lower jaw and upturned mouth. It’s body is silver in color, with a golden hue on its fins and tail. The fish has large, greyish scales on its dorsal side and whitish on its belly.

Their eyes are large and visible from underside of the head. Lower lip is very thick, and the upper lip is absent. The anal fin is short, dorsal fin inserted slightly in advance of pelvic fins. The caudal fin is forked, and the pectoral fins are long extending to pelvic fins.

Catlas with an average body weight of 1-2 kg is generally sold in the market. But they can grow up to 20 kg. Their body length can reach around 1 meter in aged and large sized fish.

katla, katla fish, katol fish, catla fish, katla fish picture

Diet: Catla is a herbivorous fish that feeds mainly on aquatic plants, algae, and other plant matter.

Reproduction: Catla usually spawns during the monsoon season, when water levels in rivers and lakes become high. The female Catlas can lay up to 5 lakh eggs during each spawning season.

Migratory Behavior: Catla fish is known to migrate upstream during the monsoon season for breeding purposes.

Lifespan: Average lifespan of Catla fish is around 10-15 years in the wild, although they can live longer in captivity.

Distribution and Natural Habitat

Catla fish is a freshwater fish species that is commonly found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the Indian subcontinent. It prefers slow-moving and standing water.

Aquaculture Significance

Catla is a very common and important fish species in commercial fish farming business. Both small scale and commercial Catla fish farming are highly profitable. People having water source can start this business along with some other carp fish species.

Catla fish consumes food from the upper level. So, stocking and growing Catlas with other fish species is very important for utilizing the resources fully and also for maximizing production.

Growth rate of these fish is very high. In commercial Catla fish farming business, the fish is usually fed a specially formulated diet that is high in protein and other essential nutrients. And feeding such food helps the fish to stay healthy and grow faster.

However, Catla fish has great economic importance for local communities. Commercial production is easy and it’s possible to make good profits from this aquaculture business.

Nutritional Value

Catla fish is very nutritious. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 and B12. It is also a good source of high amount of amino acid taurine, which is very important for good hearth health.

Consuming Catla fish has some health benefits. It has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, joint pain and cognitive function. It is good source of some essential nutrients such as calcium, niacin and selenium. Among these nutrients, selenium has antioxidant properties and it may help to prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Niacin may help those those people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower their cholesterol level. Vitamin B12 helps the nervous system function properly, reduces fatigue, improves memory retention, and promotes normal blood cell formation.

Culinary Uses and Popular Dishes

The Catla fish is bred and cultivated mainly for using as human food. It is a very important fish species in the areas where it is available. It is always marketed in fresh condition, and it command a good market price and consumer demand.

Among the South Asians, there are hardly any people who has not tried a Carla fish recipe. Numerous traditional Catla fish recipes available which are very easy and delicious. Some popular recipes or dishes are:

  • Catla macher muá¹›ighaṇṭa
  • Catla maach bhaja
  • Catla macher jhol
  • Catla macher kalia
  • Catla macher tel jhal
  • Catla fish tikka
  • Catla fish biryani
  • Catla macher paturi
  • Catla macher kofta curry
  • Catla macher korma
  • Catla macher tel pati shorshe bata

Cultural Significance

Catla fish is an important part of the culture and cuisine in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. The fish is often used in traditional dishes and is considered a delicacy in many regions.

katla, katla fish, katol fish, catla fish, katla fish picture

Special Notes

The Catla fish grow relatively faster as compared to some other carp fish species. It is one of the most important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia.

It grows best at water temperature between 25°-32° c. It is very suitable and generally grown in polyculture ponds with other carp fish species, especially with Rui and Mrigal fish.

Total production of Catla fish is increasing gradually. It is generally sold and consumed fresh, locally and regionally. In case of transportation, it is generally transported on ice.

Consumers generally prefer Catla with 1-2 kg body weight. However, review full profile of the Catla fish in the following chart.

NameCatla
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyCyprinidae
GenusCatla
SpeciesC. catla
Binomial Name/Scientific NameCatla catla
Other NamesKnown by many different names such as Katla, Katol, Indian Major carp, Chepti, Baudhekra, Bacha, Karakatla and Tambra
Breed PurposeMainly food
Special NotesGrow very fast, one of the most important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia, this fish grows best at water temperature between 25°-32° c, very good for growing with other carp fish species, consumed fresh, total production increasing gradually
Breeding MethodNatural and artificial
WeightCan grow up to 20 kg
Water TypeFreshwater
Climate ToleranceNative climates
Body ColorGreyish with whitish belly
RarityCommon
AvailabilitySouth Asia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Many people ask questions about Catla fish. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this fish species, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is Catla fish?

Catla fish (Catla catla) is a freshwater fish species native to the Indian subcontinent, commonly found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Catla is also an important fish species for aquaculture and is commonly raised in ponds and tanks for commercial purposes.

Is catla fish farming profitable?

Yes, Catla is a very fast growing fish species, and raising them is relatively easy. Both demand a value of these fish are high in the market. So, commercial production of Catla is a profitable business.

How to start Catla fish farming business?

Starting this business commercially is relatively easy. First of all, select a good site, construct a pond, prepare the pond, collect and stock minnow, feed them well, take good care of them and finally harvest when the fish reach marketing weight.

Is Catla fish good for health?

Yes, Catla is good for health and it is rich in numerous nutrients such as zinc, potassium, selenium, iodine and vitamins (especially vitamin A). It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of this fish has also been known to lower the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Is Catla fish tasty?

Yes, Catla is a very tasty fish and it is eaten in many dishes. Especially, it become more tasty when cooked in mustard oil.

What is the scientific name of Catla?

The scientific name of Catla is ‘Catla catla‘.

Is Catla and Rohu same?

No, these are not same. Rohu and catla are two different fish. Catla is a fish with large broad head with greyish scales and whitish belly. On the other hand, Rohu fish is large silver colored fish with an arched head.

Is Catla a true fish?

Yes!

Which is better Rohu or Catla?

Both are almost same in case of fat composition. Catla is clean tasting with smooth texture. Their head is more fatty and flavorful than that of Rohu.

Is Catla fish high in mercury?

The safe concentrations of mercury were ranged in between 12.133 to 19.689 microg/l for Catla.

Is Catla fish boneless?

No, Catla is fish with bones.

What is Catla fish called in English?

Labeo catla. Also known as the Major South Asian Carp.

Is Catla fish good for weight loss?

Catla is low in calories and very healthy. So, it can be good for weight loss. You should consult with your doctor for better recommendations.

Which has more bones Catla or Rohu?

Both fish species have almost same amount of bones. Catla has total 108 pin bones, and rohu rish has 104.

How can you tell Rohu and Katla fish?

Catla is a fish with large broad head with grayish scales and whitish belly. On the other hand, Rohu fish is large silver colored fish with an arched head.

Is Catla a bottom feeder?

No, Catla is not a bottom feeder, rather it is a surface feeder. Mrigal fish is a bottom feeder.

What is the cost of Catla fish?

It’s not possible to tell the exact amount. And the price can vary from place to place. But, you can expect an average price of $3-$6 per kg.

Where Catla fish is found?

Today, Catla is found in many countries around the world. But, they are mainly found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal.

Is Catla a mid water feeder?

No, Catla is a surface feeder.

How do you identify Catla?

Catla is a fish with large broad head with grayish scales and whitish belly.

What is the meaning of Catla?

Catla is a large cyprinid fish extensively used as food in southeast Asia.

What is the color of Catla fish?

Catla si grayish on back and flanks, silvery-white below and fins are dusky.

What are the special facts about Catla fish?

Grow very fast, one of the most important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia, this fish grows best at water temperature between 25°C-32°C, very good for growing with other carp fish species, consumed fresh, total production increasing gradually.

What are the main characteristics of Catla fish?

Catla fish have distinctive looks with large and broad head. They have a large protruding lower jaw, and upturned mouth. Scales of these fish are large and they have grayish scales on their dorsal side. The scales are whitish on their belly. Their body is short and deep, somewhat literally compressed. Their eyes are large and visible from underside of the head.

What is the price of Catla fish?

Actually, the price of Catla fish can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the location, availability, and demand. In the Indian subcontinent, where Catla fish is commonly consumed, the price may range from around 150-200 Indian Rupees per kilogram (approximately $2-3 USD).

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