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Species Guide

Catla

Catla Catla0
  • Spanish Name: Catla
  • English Name: Catla
  • Scientific Name: Catla catla
  • Type of specie: Fish
  • Order: Cypriniformes
  • Family: Cyprinidae

Habitat

  • Natural: Rivers and reservoirs with warm, turbid freshwater.
  • Farming: Freshwater ponds, typically in polyculture systems with other carp species.

General Description

  • Body shape: Robust, deep body laterally compressed, with a pronounced profile.
  • Distinctive features:

    Large, broad head with a prominent upward-facing mouth. Silvery coloration with a darker back.

Size and Weight

  • Average length: Typically between 25 and 40 cm, although some species can reach up to 80 cm in their natural habitat.
  • Average weight: Typically between 500 g and 2 kg; some exceptional specimens can exceed 5 kg, depending on the species.

Life Cycle

Fast growth; reaches market size in 1 to 1.5 years.

Adaptations

Highly tolerant to warm and turbid waters, making it ideal for aquaculture in tropical climates.

Juveniles farming systems

Raised in ponds or specialized hatcheries.

Grow-out farming systems

Primarily in polyculture ponds, alongside other carps such as silver carp or common carp.

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  • Geographical distribution
Native to South Asia, primarily in the river systems of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
  • Main producing countries
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan.
  • Commercial value

Highly valued as a food species in South Asia for its rapid growth and taste.

  • Additional uses

By-products: Meat used for fresh or frozen fillets.

  • Common preparation methods
Fried, grilled, in curries, or traditional soups.