10 Most Popular Freshwater Fish Species of the Indian Rivers

In India, coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat rely heavily on fishing. Fishing and aquaculture contributes 1% of India's annual GDP, with West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh having the largest fish industries in the country. Rivers in India are the main source of irrigation, drinking water, and food.

Best Freshwater Fish Species

Here is a list of freshwater fish found in Indian rivers, with Rohu, Katla, Mahseer, Magur, and Vaam being some of the more prominent names. 

Ritha 

Rita is a bagrid catfish species found in West Bengal. It is a giant of the genus, reaching a maximum length of 150 cm. Commercially, it is captured for human consumption. Rohu is a popular fish in the Indian market due to its availability and lower price. The fish is available throughout the year.

Rani or Pink Perch 

Rani fish, also known as Pink Perch, is a type of freshwater gamefish found in India. The fish is a small freshwater fish popular in India. The fish is available throughout the year. In India's softwater ponds, rohu fish can be found in profusion.

Kajuli or Ailia Coila 

The Gangetic ailia, also known as Kajuli, is commonly found in large rivers and associated water systems. This species is critical to the indigenous commercial fisheries of India. The fish is available throughout the year.

Magur or Walking Catfish 

The Magur is a medium-sized walking catfish found in rivers in India and Southeast Asia. The walking catfish is an omnivorous species that is regarded a delicacy in the Indian states of Assam, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Rohu is a popular fish in the Indian market due to its availability and lower price. In India's softwater ponds, rohu fish can be found in profusion.

Tengra or Mystus Tengara 

Tengra, often called Tengna, is a small catfish used in Bengali Tangra Macher Jhal recipes. Tengra fish are mostly found in rivers in India's states of Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bengal. The fish is available throughout the year.

Tilapia or Cichlid Fish 

Tilapia are freshwater fish that live in shallow water, rivers, and lakes, although they can also be found in brackish water in India. Tilapia is also one of the most popular fish in the world and, after carp and salmon, one of the most important species in aquaculture.

Catla or Indian Carp 

Katla or Catla, often known as the large Indian carp, is a well-known freshwater fish found in India's rivers and lakes. The catla, together with the roho labeo and the mrigal carp, is the most important aquacultured freshwater fish in India. Throughout the year, the fish is available.

Pulasa Fish 

Pulasa fish from the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh is the tastiest and most expensive of all the popular fish in India. The hilsa, Ilish, and hilsa shad are all names for the same type of fish. 

Hilsa or Ilish Shad 

Ilish, also known as hilsa shad, is a famous freshwater and brackish water fish in India, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh and Bengal, fish is a popular dish. 

Prawn fish

The Indian prawn is one of the main commercial prawn species in the world. It is found in the Indo-West Pacific from eastern & south-eastern Africa, through India, Malaysia & Indonesia to southern China & northern Australia.

Rohu or Labeo Rohita 

Rohu is a carp species found in rivers across the Indian subcontinent and widely utilized in aquaculture. The huge silver-colored Rohu fish is an important freshwater aquacultured species that is widely consumed in India and considered a delicacy in Bhojpur (Madhya Pradesh). 

(Also read: Pond Preparation For Freshwater Fish Farming)