NOTOPTERUS (CHITALA)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Notopterus (Chitala)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Notopterus (Chitala)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

The bronze featherback (Notopterus notopterus) is a freshwater fish native to South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and swamps. Recognizable by its elongated, laterally compressed body and silvery-bronze coloration, it holds ecological significance and faces conservation challenges.

Classification of Notopterus (Chitala)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Pisces (Paired fins, gills and skin with scales.)
Class :- Osteichthyes (Bony fishes. Skin contains dermal scales. Paired lateral fins present. Gills, air bladder present. Cleavage meroblastic.)
Sub-Class :- Actinopterygii (Modern fishes. Vertebrae amphicoelous. Caudal fin homocercal, Scales cycloid or ctenoid. Nostrils do not communicate with mouth cavity.
Superorder : Teleostei (Bony fish proper)
Order :- Ostariophysi (Anterior vertebrae fused. Weberian ossicles present between air bladder and ear.)
Family :- Notopteridae
Genus :- Notopterus

Geographical distribution

Notopterus is widely distributed in India, Myanmar, Malaya and West Africa, N. chitala is exclusively found in the fresh-waters of India. Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat

Notopterus commonly inhabits marshy meadows, lakes, fresh-water of brackish water.
It is a bottom feeder, carnivorous, predacious and feeding on small organisms, insects and crustaceans.

General Characteristics of Notopterus (Chitala)

Commonly known as cat-fish or Chitala. Body divided into head, trunk and tail.
Body is very strongly compressed with a short pre-caudal region and measuring about 1.5 meters in
length.
Colour is silvery dark or greenish or glossy yellow on the back.
Head contains large and oblique mouth, whitish eyes and nostrils.
Dorsal fin is short and ventral fin very much reduced or absent. Very much elongated anal fin confluent with reduced caudal fin. Number of combined rays of anal and caudal fin varies from 85 to 100.
Paired pectorals and ventral fins closely placed.
Air bladder is very large and divided into several compartments.
Teeth are homodont.
Gill covers are scaly. Lateral line scales 120 to 180, ventral scutes 25 to 45.

Ecological Importance

Trophic Role: As a carnivorous species, the bronze featherback preys on insects, smaller fish, and crustaceans, helping regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance.
Indicator Species: Its presence reflects the health of freshwater ecosystems, making it valuable for environmental monitoring.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Classified as Least Concern globally, though certain populations may be declining due to overfishing and habitat degradation.
Regional Assessments: In India and Bangladesh, it’s listed as Near Threatened and Vulnerable, respectively, due to overexploitation and habitat loss.

Special features

Unique Morphology: The species exhibits a distinctive elongated body with a continuous anal fin merging into the caudal fin, facilitating both forward and backward swimming.
Reproductive Behavior: Breeds during the rainy season, with males guarding eggs laid on submerged vegetation until hatching.
Commercial Value: Valued as a food fish and in the ornamental fish trade, contributing to local economies.