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Black mahseer (Tor khudree) — Cyprinidae

Black mahseer

Tor khudree
Family: Cyprinidae

The Black mahseer (Tor khudree) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 83 cm.

Length
83 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black mahseer is a large freshwater barb (Cyprinidae) from clear, fast-flowing rivers of the Indian subcontinent. The species grows to about 83 cm and has a powerful, streamlined, dark glossy 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 Black mahseer?

The Black mahseer has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Black mahseer live?

The Black mahseer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Black mahseer get?

The Black mahseer grows to a maximum of about 83 cm. On average the species is around 19 cm.

Is the Black mahseer dangerous to humans?

No, the Black mahseer is harmless to humans.

Is the Black mahseer edible?

Yes, the Black mahseer is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte mahseer sourced
English name
Black mahseer sourced
Scientific name
Tor khudree
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Blue-fin mahseer; Deccan mahseer; Khudree mahseer; Mahseer; Yellow mahseer verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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