Home · Cyprinidae · Deep-bodied mahseer
Deep-bodied mahseer (Tor tor) — Cyprinidae

Deep-bodied mahseer

Tor tor
Family: Cyprinidae

The Deep-bodied mahseer (Tor tor) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 200 cm.

Length
200 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
15.0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The deep-bodied mahseer is a large freshwater barb (Cyprinidae) from clear, fast-flowing rivers of South Asia, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins. The species grows to about 2 metres and has a powerful, streamlined, golden-brown body with large scales, thick lips and two pairs of barbels. As an omnivore it eats algae, water plants, fruit, insects and small invertebrates. It is a celebrated sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-bodied mahseer?

The Deep-bodied mahseer has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Deep-bodied mahseer live?

The Deep-bodied mahseer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Pakistan

How big does the Deep-bodied mahseer get?

The Deep-bodied mahseer grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Deep-bodied mahseer dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-bodied mahseer is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Deep-bodied mahseer edible?

Yes, the Deep-bodied mahseer is commonly eaten.

More photos

Deep-bodied mahseer (Tor tor) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Sir Francis Day (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep-bodied mahseer sourced
Scientific name
Tor tor
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Deep bodied masheer; Mahseer; Tor barb; Tor mahseer; Deep bodied mahseer; Mahsier; Red finned mahseer; Redfin mahseer; Turiya mahseer verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
200.0 verified
Average length (cm)
17.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Pakistan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
10.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Tor

More from the family Cyprinidae

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