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
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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.

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.

Is the Deep-bodied mahseer edible?

Yes, the Deep-bodied mahseer is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Diepkop-mahseer sourced
English name
Deep-bodied mahseer sourced
Scientific name
Tor tor
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Deep bodied masheer; 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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

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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