Fish: Rita rita (Khagga) | fish | fishing | angler fish | goldfish |

Rita rita (Khagga)

It is one of the famous catfishes of freshwater esteemed as a food and game fish. Rita rita is locally called as "Khagga" and "Tirkanda". The anglers enjoy the way this fish plays during angling.

Geographical Distribution:

This fish inhabits freshwaters of most of the South Asian countries including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Burma. In Pakistan, it is common in Indus plain and most of the freshwater streams, nallahs and ponds.

Rita rita (Khagga) | fish | fishing | angler fish | goldfish |

Distinguishing Characters:

Body is elongate. Head somewhat depressed. Mouth transverse, provided with small teeth arranged in bands. Barbels three pairs. Dorsal and pectoral spines are stout and strong. Body is scaleless. Lateral line straight. The color is greenish brown on the back and on flanks, dull white on abdomen.

Feeding:

 It mostly feeds on insects, young fishes, mollusks and also on carrion. It comes very easily on live baits like worms and small fishes as well as other baits.

Breeding:

 This fish attains maturity at 380mm stage. It breeds during May to September with peak during July to August. It attains a maximum length of one meter or even more but commonly it is found in small sizes.

Prospects in Aquaculture:

 Rita rita is a meaty and stout fish and is very much esteemed as food. As such, some preliminary studies on its culture have also been undertaken. However, due to small size, slow growth and carnivorous habit it is not used in fish culture practices.