The Indian Whale Catfish (Rita rita) is an elongated, scaleless freshwater catfish found in South Asia with a dark brown to black coloration and a body shape that resembles a whale. It is an omnivorous species that can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, preferring to be active at night and needing a large aquarium with soft substrate, hiding spots, and good water quality.
Physical characteristics
Appearance: Elongated body with a whale-like shape, dark brown to black coloration, and smooth, scaleless skin.
Size: Can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, though they are often encountered at smaller sizes.
Head: Features a pair of long barbels around the mouth for sensing the environment.
Other features: Small eyes and a purplish-gray color are noted in some sources.
Habitat and behavior
Native range: Found in rivers across southern Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Behavior: It is a nocturnal species that is most active at night and twilight, hiding during the day.
Habitat preference: Prefers slow-moving freshwater with a soft substrate and plenty of hiding places like driftwood, caves, and rocks.
Diet
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of items including detritus, insects, smaller fish, and plant matter.
Feeding habits: Benefits from a varied diet of sinking pellets, live, and frozen foods.
Temperament and tank care
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish. It is best kept with medium to large, non-aggressive tankmates.
Tank requirements: A minimum tank size of 100 gallons is recommended, and it requires excellent water quality.
The Indian Whale Catfish (Rita rita) is an elongated, scaleless freshwater catfish found in South Asia with a dark brown to black coloration and a body shape that resembles a whale. It is an omnivorous species that can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, preferring to be active at night and needing a large aquarium with soft substrate, hiding spots, and good water quality.
Physical characteristics
Appearance: Elongated body with a whale-like shape, dark brown to black coloration, and smooth, scaleless skin.
Size: Can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, though they are often encountered at smaller sizes.
Head: Features a pair of long barbels around the mouth for sensing the environment.
Other features: Small eyes and a purplish-gray color are noted in some sources.
Habitat and behavior
Native range: Found in rivers across southern Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Behavior: It is a nocturnal species that is most active at night and twilight, hiding during the day.
Habitat preference: Prefers slow-moving freshwater with a soft substrate and plenty of hiding places like driftwood, caves, and rocks.
Diet
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of items including detritus, insects, smaller fish, and plant matter.
Feeding habits: Benefits from a varied diet of sinking pellets, live, and frozen foods.
Temperament and tank care
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish. It is best kept with medium to large, non-aggressive tankmates.
Tank requirements: A minimum tank size of 100 gallons is recommended, and it requires excellent water quality.
