Tor khudree

Tor khudree, commonly known as the Deccan mahseer, Khudree mahseer, or black mahseer, is a prominent freshwater fish belonging to the carp family. Predominantly found in the major rivers and reservoirs of India and Sri Lanka, this fish is highly esteemed as a game fish in India and is locally referred to as mahseer or maha seer. The species was first described by Sykes in 1838. Tor khudree boasts a silvery-bluish body with fins that have blood-red or bluish tinges. The Mula-Mutha River near Pune, located in the Krishna River basin, is recognized as its type locality.

Since the 1970s, there have been concerted efforts to breed Tor khudree artificially. Unfortunately, the original populations in their native type locality have been entirely eradicated. Recent genetic studies have concentrated on these artificially bred stocks, but the precise lineage of the original fish remains somewhat ambiguous. Typically, Tor khudree migrates to the upper reaches of smaller streams to spawn, a behavior common to mahseer species.

This species has a diverse diet that includes plants, fruits, insects, shrimp, and mollusks, and it can even be cultivated in pond environments. It is predatory by nature, occasionally preying on smaller mahseer. Although there have been historical records of remarkably large individuals, such sizes are no longer observed in their original habitats. Conservation measures such as establishing protected areas and implementing ranching programs have been recommended to protect Tor khudree.

In the Kaveri river system, an introduced population known as the blue-finned mahseer—possibly Tor khudree—has become invasive and has nearly driven the native Tor remadevii to extinction. However, there remains debate over whether this blue-finned mahseer is indeed Tor khudree or an entirely different, yet-to-be-described species.

There have been some notable records of Tor khudree captures, with reports of fish weighing up to 150 pounds or more. Interestingly, a specimen initially believed to be Tor khudree was later identified as an endemic species called Tor remadevii. This highlights the critical importance of accurate species identification in conservation efforts.