Fish and Aqua

Varieties of Fishes in India

April 1, 2025

Varieties of Fishes in India

India is one of the largest producers of fish in the world, with a rich diversity of freshwater, brackish water, and marine fish species. Fish varieties in India are broadly categorized into freshwater fish, brackish water fish, and marine fish.

Freshwater Fish Varieties

Freshwater fish are found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. These are the most commonly farmed species in India.

a) Indian Major Carps:

Catla (Catla catla) – Fast-growing, surface feeder
Rohu (Labeo rohita) – Mid-water feeder, highly popular
Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) – Bottom feeder, widely cultivated

b) Exotic Carps:

Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) – Adaptable to various conditions
Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) – Herbivorous fish, fast growth
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) – Plankton feeder, rapid growth

c) Other Important Freshwater Species:

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) – Hardy species, high resistance to disease
Pangasius (Pangasius spp.) – Catfish with high commercial value
Murrel (Channa spp.) – Known for its taste and medicinal properties
Magur (Clarias batrachus) – Air-breathing catfish, thrives in poor water quality
Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis) – Another air-breathing fish with high demand

Brackish Water Fish Varieties

These fish species thrive in estuaries, backwaters, and coastal lagoons.

Seabass (Lates calcarifer) – High-value carnivorous fish
Milkfish (Chanos chanos) – Hardy species, popular in coastal farming
Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) – Herbivorous, adaptable species
Pearl Spot (Etroplus suratensis) – Known as Karimeen in Kerala, a delicacy
Mangrove Red Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) – High market demand
Mud Crabs (Scylla spp.) – Often farmed along with brackish water fish

Marine Fish Varieties

India has a vast coastline supporting diverse marine fish species.

a) Pelagic (Surface Water) Fish:

Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) – One of the most consumed fish
Sardines (Sardinella spp.) – Rich in Omega-3, widely available
Tuna (Thunnus spp.) – High export value fish
Pomfret (Pampus argenteus & Parastromateus niger) – Premium fish species
Anchovies (Stolephorus spp.) – Used for fish meal and fresh consumption

b) Demersal (Bottom-Dwelling) Fish:

Groupers (Epinephelus spp.) – Valued for taste and commercial importance
Snappers (Lutjanus spp.) – High-priced species, ideal for gourmet dishes
Bombay Duck (Harpadon nehereus) – Popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat
Flatfish (Psettodes erumei) – Found in deep-sea fishing areas

c) Shellfish (Crustaceans & Mollusks):

Prawns (Penaeus spp., Macrobrachium spp.) – Highly demanded in domestic and export markets
Lobsters (Panulirus spp.) – High-value seafood product
Crabs (Scylla spp.) – Both wild-caught and farmed
Squids & Cuttlefish – Popular in export markets

Conclusion

India has a diverse fish fauna catering to domestic consumption, aquaculture, and exports. With scientific fish farming and sustainable fishing practices, the country is continuously expanding its fish production to meet increasing demand and enhance livelihoods in the fisheries sector.

Varieties of Fishes in India