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Rita rita (Hamilton, 1822)

Image contributors to this species:

Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (3) Liam Irons-Mclean (2) Thomas Kobe (2) Mostafa Hossain (3)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Three pairs of barbels: maxillary pair reaching operculum, nasal very small, mandibular extending to pre-operculum. Rayed dorsal fin inserted above half of pectoral fin, spine smooth as long or as or longer than head, when depressed may reach adipose base. Adipose fin short, not reaching caudal base. Habitat: Inhabits rivers and estuaries, preferably muddy to clear water. Prefers backwater of quiet eddies. Colouration: Pale brown above and on sides, dull beneath. Live specimens are lucid green above on sides, pale beneath. Diet: Feeds on insects, mollusks, shrimps and fishes. Etymology: The specific and genus name rita: A vernacular name from Bangladesh. Remarks: Grows too large for aquarium keeping in the adult stage. Some online searches still have this species as in the Bagridae family.

Common Name:

Rita, Whale Catfish

Synonyms:

Pimelodus rita, Arius ritoides, Rita buchanani

Family:

Ritidae

Distribution:

Asia: Rivers of northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Type locality: Estuaries of Bengal. No types known.

Size:

120.0cm SL (48ins)

Temp:

18-26°C (63-79°F)

p.H.

6.5-8.0.

IUCN Red List

Although Rita rita is reported to be in decline from overfishing in southern West Bengal, available data indicates that it is still relatively abundant. Together with the apparent absence of major threats (other than possibly overfishing), this species is assessed as Least Concern. However, further taxonomic studies to assess the identity of the material from the northern Western Ghats are needed. Given the fishing pressure being currently exerted on this species, it may be necessary to reassess this species in the near future when more detailed catch data is available, and needs to be updated, (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Jayaram; K.C. Catfishes of India, Narendera Publishing House. p.13-14.
Ng, H.H. 2010. Rita rita. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.

Family: Ritidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Rita rita

Rita rita

Rita rita
Albino specimen

Rita rita

Rita rita
Head view

Rita rita
Xanthic specimens

Rita rita
Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Rita rita
With teeth inserted-Bangladesh

Rita rita
Dorsal view-Bangladesh

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