Catla fish is a very popular and well known fish species in South Asian countries. It is highly available in the local market, and there is hardly a person in this region who has not heard the name of Catla fish. It has high demand and is a very popular freshwater fish in India and Bangladesh, especially among the Bengali people.
The Catla is an economically very important South Asian freshwater fish. It is in the carp family Cyprinidae. The fish is mainly found in the rives and lakes in northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Myanmar. Catla is the third most popular freshwater fish species in India. Catla fish is known by many different local names in different areas where the fish is available. It is also called as Katla, Katol, Indian Major carp, Chepti, Baudhekra, Bacha, Karakatla, Tambra, Bhakura, Bengal Carp, Karaka, Botchee etc.
Catla is a freshwater fish species, and it is found rarely in brakish water. Some common habitats of this fish species are baors, beels, canals, ditch, floodplains, haors, lake, ponds and lakes. The fish is generally marketed in fresh condition, and it command a good market price and consumer demand.
What is catla fish?
Catla is a type of Indian freshwater carp fish, specifically from South Asia. It is well known and popular mainly for its mild, and sweet taste and firm texture. It has a big head as compared to the body. Catla is a highly popular fish in India. Scientific name of catla fish is Catla catla.
Characteristics
Catla is a beautiful fish species with distinctive physical characteristics. It has a large and broad head, a large protruding lower jaw and upturned mouth. It’s body is silver in color, with a golden hue on its fins and tail. The fish has large, greyish scales on its dorsal side and whitish on its belly. Their eyes are large and visible from underside of the head. Lower lip is very thick, and the upper lip is absent. The anal fin is short, dorsal fin inserted slightly in advance of pelvic fins. The caudal fin is forked, and the pectoral fins are long extending to pelvic fins.
Size
Catlas with an average body weight of 1-2 kg is generally sold in the market. But they can grow up to 20 kg. Their body length can reach around 1 meter in aged and large sized fish.
Natural Habitat
Catla fish is a freshwater fish species that is commonly found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the Indian subcontinent. It prefers slow-moving and standing water. It is highly available in almost everywhere within India.
Diet
Catla is a herbivorous fish that feeds mainly on aquatic plants, algae, and other plant matter. But in commercial production, they are feed on special diet which is rich in all required nutrients for them.
Reproduction
Catla usually spawns during the monsoon season, when water levels in rivers and lakes become high. The female Catlas can lay up to 5 lakh eggs during each spawning season.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of Catla fish is around 10-15 years in the wild, although they can live longer in captivity.
Uses
The Catla fish is bred and cultivated mainly for using as human food. It is a very important fish species in the areas where it is available. It is always marketed in fresh condition, and it command a good market price and consumer demand.
Popular Recipes/Dishes
Among the South Asians, there are hardly any people who has not tried a Carla fish recipe. Numerous traditional Catla fish recipes available which are very easy and delicious. Catla fish is an important part of the culture and cuisine in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. The fish is often used in traditional dishes and is considered a delicacy in many regions. Some popular recipes or dishes are:
- Catla macher muṛighaṇṭa: Prepared with the head of catla and moong dal.
- Catla maach bhaja: Fired catla.
- Catla macher jhol: Catla fish curry.
- Catla macher kalia: Special type of curry.
- Catla macher tel jhal: Oily and spicy item using peppers.
- Catla fish tikka: Tikka using catla.
- Catla fish biryani: As the name suggests, its a biryani preparation.
- Catla macher paturi: Special catla recipe.
- Catla macher kofta curry: Type of curry.
- Catla macher korma: Special catla recipe.
- Catla macher tel pati shorshe bata: Catla belly cooked using mustard paste.
Taste
The Catla fish is popular and is celebrated in South Asian cuisine mainly for it’s distinct and appealing taste. It is known for it’s mild yet rich flavor. It offers a subtly sweet and earthy profile. Its flesh is tender and flaky. Its taste is often described as clean and fresh. Taste of Catla fish enhance especially when you cook with aromatic herb, tangy tamarind or fiery chilies.
Nutritional Value
Catla fish is very nutritious. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 and B12. It is also a good source of high amount of amino acid taurine, which is very important for good hearth health.
Health Benefits
Consuming Catla fish has some health benefits. It has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, joint pain and cognitive function. It is good source of some essential nutrients such as calcium, niacin and selenium. Among these nutrients, selenium has antioxidant properties and it may help to prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Niacin may help those those people who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower their cholesterol level. Vitamin B12 helps the nervous system function properly, reduces fatigue, improves memory retention, and promotes normal blood cell formation.
Price
Catla is a popular fish species and its price always remain high in both domestic and international market. And exact price can vary depending on numerous factors such as location, availability and freshness. On average, you might expect to pay between $8 and $15 per pound fresh Catla fish in the American market. Price of frozen fish is slightly less than the fresh fish. Catla is also very popular in its native area. In India, you can expect the price of Catla fish between ₹200 and ₹400 depending upon freshness and your location.
Where to buy catla fish?
There are many options to buy catla fish near you. You can search your local fish market, grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, online retailers, wholesale stores, and directly from the local farmers.
Special Notes
The Catla fish grow relatively faster as compared to some other carp fish species. It is one of the most important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia. It grows best at water temperature between 25°-32° c. It is very suitable and generally grown in polyculture ponds with other carp fish species, especially with Rui and Mrigal fish. Total production of Catla fish is increasing gradually. It is generally sold and consumed fresh, locally and regionally. In case of transportation, it is generally transported on ice. Consumers generally prefer Catla with 1-2 kg body weight. However, review full profile of the Catla fish in the following chart.
| Name | Catla |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Catla |
| Species | C. catla |
| Binomial Name/Scientific Name | Catla catla |
| Other Names | Known by many different names such as Katla, Katol, Indian Major carp, Chepti, Baudhekra, Bacha, Karakatla and Tambra |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly food |
| Special Notes | Grow very fast, one of the most important aquacultured freshwater fish species in South Asia, this fish grows best at water temperature between 25°-32° c, very good for growing with other carp fish species, consumed fresh, total production increasing gradually |
| Breeding Method | Natural and artificial |
| Weight | Can grow up to 20 kg |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Body Color | Greyish with whitish belly |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | South Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catla fish good for pregnancy?
Yes, Catla is good for pregnancy. It is safe to eat this fish during pregnancy.
Does Catla fish have bones?
Yes, they have bones like Rohu and other carp fish species.
Does Catla fish have omega 3?
Yes, these fish contain omega 3. And the omega 3 fats available in Catla fish are believed to protect your skin from numerous skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema etc.
Is Catla fish good for health?
Yes, sure! Catla is a healthy fish species with numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. It is heart healthy fish and consuming the fish helps to decrease blood pressure.
What is Catla fish called in English?
Catla fish is called Major South Asian Carp in English.
Why Catla Fish is Very Popular?
Catla is a very popular fish in the Indian subcontinent for some reasons. It is very popular mainly because it is highly available, affordable price, tastes good, nutritious and preparation is very easy. Today, the Catla fish is commercially cultivated in many countries where it is available. It’s higher growth rate and compatibility with other major carps, specific surface feeding habit, and consumer preference have increased it’s popularity in commercial carp fish farming system among the fish farmers.
