Habitat: Inhabits
large fresh water and tidal rivers. According to Jayaram
(1963), this species is found in the same habitat
as A.
coila, i.e. large rivers
with turbid water and a substrate of sand or mud.
Diet: Feeds on insects, shrimps,
other crustaceans and small fish. Reproduction:
Oviparous, eggs are unguarded. Etymology:
The genus name Clupisoma: clupea, herring;
soma, body, referring to the herring-shaped body.
The specific name garua: Local Bengali name
for this catfish in India. Remarks:
Formerly in the Schilbeidae family.
Common
Name:
Garua bachcha
Synonyms:
Silurus garua, Silurus
(Clupisoma) argentata
Family:
Ailiidae
Distribution:
Asia:
Throughout northern India, but not south of the Mahanadi
River, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Type
locality: Fresh water rivers of the Gangetic
provinces.
Size:
70cm (28ins)
Temp:
22-24°C (71-75°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
IUCN
Red List
Although
there is evidence that Clupisoma garua may
be threatened with overfishing in some areas (e.g. southern
West Bengal), current evidence indicates that it is
still a widespread and abundant species. It is therefore
assessed as Least Concern
here. However, given its widespread use as a food fish,
close monitoring of harvest levels and its effects on
population size is critically needed, and needs updating,
(IUCN 2010).
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