THE ROHU or ROHI

Labeo rohita (Ham. Buch.)

(Length up to 3 ft. or more)


rohu.jpg

Vernacalar name : Tambada Massa.

Like the Barbels, the Labeos are members of the Carp Family. They can be recognized from the fishes of the genus Barbus by their more elongated bodies. The structure and position of the mouth is also distinctive. It opens downwards and not forwards and is situated under the projecting snout. The lips are thick and fleshy, one or both lips having an inner transverse fold which is covered with a hony substance. Eight species occur in Bombay.

The best known is perhaps the Rohu (L. rohita)-though the name Rohu is indiscriminately applied to other members of the genus.

Distinctive characters : D. 15-16. L. 1. 40-42.

Colour : Bluish or brownish along the back becoming silvery along the sides and beneath. Sometimes there is a red mark on each scale. The fins are reddish, in some specimens black.

The Rohu groes to 3 feet or more in length. It is deep in body & narrows suddenly towards the tail. It is much esteemed as food and adapts itself readily to the still waters of a lale or tank.

 


 
Back to Types of Fish