Rohu Fish

Description

Description

• Scientific Name: Labeo rohita

• Common Name: Rohu

• Type: Indian Major Carp (IMC)

• Habitat: Freshwater fish native to rivers of the Indo-Gangetic plains

• Distribution: Widely cultured across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan

Key Features:

• Body Structure:

  • Elongated and compressed body

  • Arched dorsal profile

  • Silvery body with a bluish or greenish back

• Feeding Habit:

  • Primarily a column feeder

  • Consumes plant-based material including decaying vegetation and phytoplankton

• Growth Rate:

  • Fast-growing under culture conditions

  • Typically reaches marketable size (1–1.5 kg) in 12–18 months

• Culture Practice:

  • Cultured in polyculture systems with Catla (surface feeder) and Mrigal (bottom feeder)

  • Thrives in ponds, tanks, and reservoirs

• Economic Importance:

  • Highly valued due to its taste, texture, and nutritional content

  • Major contributor to freshwater aquaculture in India

• Reproduction:

  • Breeds naturally in rivers during monsoon

  • Induced breeding widely practiced in hatcheries using hormonal methods

Nutritional Value:

Rohu is rich in protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.