LABEO ROHITA (ROHU)

LABEO ROHITA (ROHU)

Contents hide
1) Introduction
2) Classification of Labeo rohita (Rohu)
3) Geographical distribution
4) Habit and habitat
5) General Characteristics of Labeo Rohita (Rohu)
6) Ecological Importance
7) Conservation Status
8) Special features
9) Identification

Introduction

Labeo rohita, commonly known as rohu, is a freshwater fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae). It is native to rivers, lakes, and ponds in South Asia and is one of the most important aquaculture species in the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its commercial value, rohu is a popular food fish due to its rich flavor and high nutritional content.

Classification of Labeo rohita (Rohu)

  • 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 :- Cyprinidae
  • Genus :- Labeo
  • Species :- rohita
Classification of Labeo rohita (Rohu)

Geographical distribution

  • Labeo rohita is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions specially found in India (Punjab, Assam) and Myanmar Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat

  • Labeo rohita is abundantly found in ponds and rivers. Carps are vegetarian and bottom feeders. They can occasionally feed on animal diet. Because of its feeding habit, it is cultivated with two other carps, Catla catla and Cirrhina mrigala. Rohu breeds only in the rivers and bund type of tanks but not in confined waters.
Classification of Labeo rohita (Rohu)
Image Source Shutterstock

General Characteristics of Labeo Rohita (Rohu)

  • Commonly known as carp and Rohu.
  • Body compressed, fusiform, about 1 metre in length and weighing about 4 kg.
  • Colour of the body is bluish or brownish on back and silvery white below. Body covered with large overlapping cycloid scales. Scales are of taxonomic importance.
  • Body is regionated into head, trunk and tail.
  • Head is depressed and is produced into a short, obtuse and blunt snout. It bears a subterminal fringe-lipped mouth bounded by fleshy upper and lower lips. It also contains paired nostrils and paired eyes.
  • A pair of filamentous barbels arises from upper lip. Small tubercles cover the snout, which is oblong, depressed, swollen and projecting beyond the jaws.
  • Large operculum hangs on either side enclosing gills and branchial chamber.
  • Lateral line is distinct. Scales overlying the lateral line are perforated by tubes of the lateral line system. Scales are of taxonomic value. Scales are flat, bony with rounded edges and are called as cycloid scales. These overlap and form a complete covering.
  • Dorsal, anal, caudal, paired pectoral and anal fin with soft fin rays present. Caudal fin forked into equal lobes.
  • Weberian apparatus present between bladder and inner ear. Kidneys are mesonephric.

Ecological Importance

  • Nutrient Recycling: Rohu plays a critical role in the ecosystem by contributing to nutrient cycling in freshwater bodies through its feeding and excretion processes.
  • Food Web Role: As an omnivore, rohu feeds on plankton, detritus, and small invertebrates, serving as both a consumer and prey for larger aquatic predators, thus maintaining the aquatic food web.
  • Ecosystem Balance: By feeding on algae and detritus, rohu helps regulate algal blooms and maintain water quality in aquatic ecosystems.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN Red List:
    • Rohu is listed as a species of Least Concern due to its widespread distribution and significant presence in aquaculture.
  • Threats:
    • Overfishing in natural habitats.
    • Habitat degradation due to pollution and river damming.
    • Competition with invasive species.
  • Conservation Efforts:
    • Sustainable aquaculture practices.
    • Habitat restoration and pollution control.
    • Regulations on fishing in wild populations.
Classification of Labeo rohita (Rohu)
Image Source : Shutterstock

Special features

  • Mouth does not contain teeth. Teeth are found in pharynx only.
  • Adaptability:
    • Rohu can thrive in a variety of freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
  • Nutritional Value:
    • Rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, rohu is a key dietary component in many regions.
  • Breeding and Growth:
    • Rohu spawns during the monsoon season in flowing rivers.
    • It has a rapid growth rate, making it an economically viable species for aquaculture.
  • Commercial Importance:
    • Widely cultured in composite fish farming systems alongside species like catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus).
    • Its flesh is tender, flavorful, and widely consumed.

Identification

  • Since this fish has overlapping scales and above features, hence it is Labeo rohita.

References

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