Tor putitora

Tor putitora, commonly known as the Putitor mahseer, Himalayan mahseer, or golden mahseer, is an endangered fish species native to the Himalayan region. It is typically found in the river basins of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. This fish is prized among anglers and was historically considered the largest mahseer species, capable of reaching lengths of up to 2.75 meters and weights of 54 kilograms. However, contemporary catches are generally much smaller. Unfortunately, the species faces significant threats from habitat loss, degradation, and overfishing, with estimates suggesting their population has already declined by over 50%.

The Tor putitora is an omnivore that prefers water temperatures ranging from 13 to 30 degrees Celsius. It has a distinctive appearance, featuring reddish-golden caudal, pelvic, and anal fins, and a golden body color above the lateral line as it matures. Its head is blunt, oval, and relatively small with a minor mouth. Interestingly, while the lateral line is barely noticeable, a large head, mouth, and prominent lateral line stripe are key identifiers for this species.

Conservation efforts for the Tor putitora have included releasing artificially bred fish into new areas such as the Irrawaddy River basin in Nagaland, India, and the Hira Bambai reservoir, as well as small streams in the Tapti River basin. However, these actions have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of introducing fish into non-native habitats. Dr. Ogale, a former scientist who led a fish breeding program, has highlighted the risks of releasing large numbers of fish into unfamiliar environments. Although the species is officially listed as endangered due to its declining population, there are conflicting reports about its actual abundance and just how effective stock augmentation programs are.