Labeo catla (Hamilton, 1822)
Catla
Bhakur,  Catla,  Vakur
Labeo catla
photo by Mair, G.C.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae
Max. size:  182 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 39 kg
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; depth range - 5 m, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. Introduced elsewhere.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Body deep, with depth 2.5 to 3 times in standard length (Ref. 4832). Has a large, upturned mouth (Ref. 3264), with a prominent protruding lower jaw (Ref. 4832). Pectoral fins long, extending to pelvic fins; scales conspicuously large (Ref. 4832).
Biology:  Adults occur in rivers, lakes and culture ponds (Ref. 41236). Mature individuals breed in rivers (Ref. 4832). Surface and mid-water feeders, mainly omnivorous with juveniles feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects, detritus and phytoplankton.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Indigenous of the Terai zone at altitudes of 76-450 m.; sells at 65-70 Rs/kg at the Kathmandu market according to figures obtained for March 1992. Status needs confirmation as this species was reported as introduced in the country (Ref. 85009). Also Ref. 4832, 41236, 43638.


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