Fish: Labeo calbasu (Kalbans) | fish | fishing | angler fish | goldfish |

Labeo calbasu (Kalbans)

Geographical Distribution:

 This fish is commonly found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, China and Sri Lanka.

Fish: Labeo calbasu (Kalbans) | fish | fishing | angler fish | goldfish |

Morphological Characters:

 Its body is deep and well built. The mouth is narrow, depressed and obtuse in frontal region. Four barbels are present along the sides of the mouth. Lips are thick and fringed. Colour of the body greyish, dusky and darkish. The eyes are reddish in color. There are pores on upper lip and snout.

Feeding:

 It feeds on decayed or bottom vegetation like other culturable species. The fry usually feed on unicellular algae and zooplankton. The adult fish also feeds on molluscs.

Breeding:

 Its spawning period extends from April to late July. The pattern of breeding is similar to that of rohu and thaila. In captivity, it cannot be bred except through induced spawning. Pairing occur during the period of spawning. The spawning temperature is 20-26oC. Fecundity rate is about 70,000 eggs/kg body weight.

Prospects in Aquaculture:

 It is very delicious fish. Its growth rate is poor compared to other culturable species, due to this reason it is not preferred to culture. However, Department of Fisheries has launched a project to study the breeding habits and its adaptation in prevailing culture system.