The Rui fish (also known as rohu) is a species of freshwater fish of the carp family. It is found mainly in rivers in South Asia. It is known by many different names such as rohu, rohit or roho. It is the most important among the 3 Indian major carp fish species used in polyculture systems.
Rui fish is highly available throughout northern and central India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar. It has also been introduced in many other countries, including, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Philippines and some countries of Africa.
The traditional culture of this carp fish goes back hundreds of years in the small ponds of the eastern Indian states, and Bangladesh.
The compatibility of Rui fish with other carps like Catla and Mrigal made it an ideal candidate for carp polyculture system.
Emphasis has been given to it’s genetic improvement through selective breeding in India, considering it’s importance in the culture system. Read some more information about this fish below.
Rui Fish Full Breed Information
The Rui fish is a fascinating freshwater species that is known for its distinctively slender and elongated body, small head, and serrated dorsal spine.
It is an omnivorous species that feeds on a wide range of aquatic plants and animals and can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The fish prefers to inhabit slow-moving and still waters with muddy or sandy bottoms, where it can find an abundant supply of food. Read more information about this fish species below:
Rui Fish Characteristics
The Rui fish are large in size with typical cyprinid shape and a conspicuously arched head. Their body is covered with cycloid scales, and the head is without scale.
Their mouth is small and inferior, the lips are thick and fringed with a distinct inner fold to each lip. They have 3 or 4 simple dorsal fin, and 12 to 14 branched dorsal fin rays. They are generally of bluish color on back, silvery on flanks and belly.
Adult Rui fish can reach a length of up to 2 meters, and can weight up to 45 kg.
Appearance
The Rui fish has a distinctively slender and elongated body that can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and weigh up to 45 kilograms. Its body is covered with large scales that are dark greenish-brown in color with a golden tint on the belly.
The fish has a relatively small head with a pointed snout and a wide mouth that is fringed with small, sharp teeth. Its dorsal fin is relatively short and has a serrated spine that can inflict a painful wound.
Habitat
The Rui fish is a freshwater species that can be found in various freshwater bodies, including rivers, streams, and lakes.
It prefers to inhabit slow-moving and still waters with muddy or sandy bottoms, where it can find an abundant supply of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
The fish is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in the major river systems, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
Diet
The Rui fish is an omnivorous species that feeds on a wide range of aquatic plants and animals. Its diet includes algae, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
The fish is known for its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and can switch its diet depending on the availability of food sources. In captivity, Rui fish can be fed with a variety of fish food pellets, vegetables, and small amounts of meat.
Behavior
The Rui fish is a relatively active and social species that often travels in groups. It is known for its strong swimming ability and can swim against the current for extended periods.
During the breeding season, which usually takes place between June and August, the fish becomes highly territorial and aggressive, with males vying for dominance over females. The fish is also known to migrate upstream to spawn in the shallow waters of rivers and streams.
Feeding Rui Fish
The Rui fish is an omnivore with specific food preferences at different stages of life. It eats mainly zooplankton during the early stages of it’s life-cycle. But it eats more and more phytoplankton as it grows.
And the juvenile or adult is a herbivorous column feeder, eating mainly phytoplankton and submerged vegetation. It has modified, thin hair-like gill rakers, suggesting that it feeds by sieving the water. Commercial fish feeds are good for this fish species.
Take a closer look at the feeding habits of the Rui fish and provide some tips on how to feed them in captivity.
Natural Feeding Habits
Rui fish are omnivores, which means that they feed on both plant and animal matter. Their natural diet includes algae, aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
In the wild, rui fish typically feed during the early morning and late afternoon, when there is an abundance of food available. They are known for their strong swimming ability and will swim against the current to catch their prey.
Feeding in Captivity
Feeding Rui fish in captivity is relatively easy and straightforward. However, it’s important to ensure that the fish are receiving a balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements. Here are some tips on how to feed Rui fish in captivity:
Feed a Varied Diet
Rui fish require a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. In addition to commercial fish food pellets, you can also feed them vegetables, such as peas, lettuce, and spinach, as well as small amounts of meat, such as shrimp or worms.
Feed Small Amounts
It’s important not to overfeed Rui fish, as this can lead to digestive problems and water quality issues. Instead, feed them small amounts of food several times a day.
Feed at the Same Time Each Day
Rui fish thrive on routine, so it’s a good idea to feed them at the same time each day. This will help them establish a feeding schedule and ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need.
Use a Feeding Ring
Using a feeding ring can help ensure that the food is distributed evenly throughout the tank and prevent it from sinking to the bottom. This will encourage the fish to swim to the surface to feed and help prevent overfeeding.
Monitor Water Quality
It’s important to monitor the water quality of the tank to ensure that the fish are healthy and thriving. Uneaten food can quickly decompose and lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria and toxins in the water.
Rui Fish Breeding
The Rui fish generally reach maturity withing their 2-5 years of age. The female fish generally spawn during the monsoon season, keeping to the middle of flooded rivers above tidal reach.
The spawning season of this fish generally coincides with the southwest monsoon. Spawn may be collected from rivers and reared in tanks and lakes. Artificial breeding is also possible for this fish.
Breeding Habits
Rui fish typically breed during the monsoon season, which runs from June to August. During this time, the water temperature and quality are ideal for breeding. Male Rui fish become highly territorial and aggressive, vying for dominance over females.
The males will build nests in shallow areas of the river or pond, using plant matter and debris to construct the nest. The females will deposit their eggs in the nest, which the males will then fertilize.
In the wild, Rui fish breed naturally, and the fertilized eggs hatch and develop into young fish without any human intervention. However, if you’re looking to breed Rui fish in captivity, there are some things you’ll need to consider.
Breeding in Captivity
Breeding Rui fish in captivity requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips on how to breed Rui fish in captivity:
Set up a Breeding Tank
To breed Rui fish in captivity, you’ll need to set up a separate breeding tank. This tank should be larger than the main tank and have a shallow area where the fish can build their nests.
Create the Right Conditions
To encourage breeding, you’ll need to create the right conditions in the breeding tank. This includes maintaining the water temperature at around 28-30°C, ensuring a pH level of 7.0-7.5, and providing plenty of hiding places for the fish.
Introduce the Fish
Once the breeding tank is set up, introduce a male and a female Rui fish. Ensure that the fish are healthy and well-fed, as this will increase the chances of successful breeding.
Monitor the Fish
During the breeding process, it’s important to monitor the fish closely to ensure that they are healthy and breeding successfully. Look for signs of aggression, such as fighting or biting, as this can indicate that the breeding process is not going well.
Provide the Right Food
To ensure that the fish are healthy and producing healthy offspring, provide them with a balanced diet that includes a mix of commercial fish food pellets, vegetables, and small amounts of meat.
Uses of Rui Fish
The Rui fish is mainly raised and used for food. It is a very tasty fish and has great market demand.
Food
One of the most common uses of Rui fish is as a source of food. Rui fish is highly valued for its delicious taste and is a popular ingredient in many traditional Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani dishes.
The flesh of the fish is white, tender, and flavorful, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, grilling, or steaming.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to its delicious taste, Rui fish also provides a range of important nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, iron, and zinc. Rui fish is also low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Fish Feed
Rui fish is also commonly used as fish feed in aquaculture. The fish is rich in protein and other essential nutrients that help promote healthy growth and development in other fish species. This makes it an ideal ingredient in fish feed for both commercial and home-based aquaculture operations.
Fertilizer
Another lesser-known use of Rui fish is as a fertilizer. The fish is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that are essential for plant growth. Farmers and gardeners can use the fish as a natural fertilizer to improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth.
Leather
Finally, Rui fish skin is also used to make high-quality leather products. The skin of the fish is strong, durable, and has a unique texture that makes it ideal for making wallets, bags, and other leather products. The leather is also eco-friendly as it is a byproduct of the fishing industry and helps reduce waste.
Special Notes
The Rui fish is a very important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia. It doesn’t breed in lake ecosystems, when cultured. So induced spawning is necessary. Generally it inhabits the freshwater section of rivers. Along with being used for food, the Rui fish is also prized as a game fish.
Rui fish is generally eaten in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indian States of Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. However, review full breed profile of the Rui fish in the chart below.
| Name | Rui |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Labeo |
| Species | L. rohita |
| Binomial Name | Labeo rohita |
| Other Names | Also known as rohu, ruhu, roho, rohita |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly food |
| Special Notes | Economically a very important fish species of South Asia, very tasty, highly prized in the market, also prized as a game fish, grow relatively faster, today raised mainly for food |
| Breeding Method | Natural and artificial |
| Weight | Generally 2-3 kg in commercial farms, but can reach up to 45 kg |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climate |
| Body Color | Reddish and silvery |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | South Asia |
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Rui Fish
Here are some interesting facts about Rui fish:
- Rui fish is a member of the carp family and is scientifically known as Labeo rohita.
- Rohu fish is native to the Indian subcontinent, where it is commonly found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds.
- This is an omnivorous fish species that feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fishes.
- This fish can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and can weigh up to 25 kg, although most individuals are much smaller than this.
- It has a life span of around 12-15 years in the wild.
- It fish is a popular food fish in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
- Rui is also an important fish species for aquaculture, as it is easy to breed and has a fast growth rate.
- Rui is an important source of protein and other essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, and zinc.
- In addition to its use as food, this fish is also used as a natural fertilizer for crops and as fish feed for other aquaculture species.
- Rui fish is known for its excellent swimming abilities and is a popular game fish for anglers in many parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Rui fish. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this freshwater fish species. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is Rui fish?
Rohu is a freshwater fish species found in the rivers and freshwater bodies of the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
What does Rui fish taste like?
Rohu fish has a white, tender, and flavorful flesh with a mild, sweet taste. It is often described as having a “nutty” flavor.
What are the nutritional benefits of Rui fish?
Rohu fish is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, iron, and zinc. It is also low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
How is Rui fish prepared and cooked?
Rohu fish can be prepared and cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, grilling, or steaming. It is often used in traditional Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani dishes.
Is Rui fish safe to eat?
Yes, Rohu fish is safe to eat, as long as it is properly cooked and prepared.
How is Rui fish farmed?
Rohu fish is commonly farmed in ponds and other freshwater bodies using a combination of natural and artificial feeds. The fish are also given regular health checkups and treated for diseases if necessary.
What is the lifespan of Rui fish?
Rohu fish has a lifespan of around 12-15 years in the wild.
What are some other uses of Rui fish besides being used as food?
Rohu fish is also commonly used as fish feed in aquaculture, as a natural fertilizer for crops, and to make high-quality leather products.
How can I tell if Rui fish is fresh?
Fresh Rohu fish should have clear and bright eyes, a firm and elastic body, and a fresh sea-like odor. The gills should also be bright red in color.
Where can I buy Rui fish?
Rohu fish can be purchased from fish markets, grocery stores, and online retailers in the Indian subcontinent and other parts of the world.
What are the characteristics of Rui fish?
The Rohu fish are large in size with typical cyprinid shape and a conspicuously arched head. Their body is covered with cycloid scales, and the head is without scale. Their mouth is small and inferior, the lips are thick and fringed with a distinct inner fold to each lip. They have 3 or 4 simple dorsal fin, and 12 to 14 branched dorsal fin rays. They are generally of bluish color on back, silvery on flanks and belly. Adult Rohu fish can reach a length of up to 2 meters, and can weight up to 45 kg.
Information provided is useful for all the concerned persons involved in fish farming and education.
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