The Rita catfish, Rita rita, is one of the most sought-after food fish in the Ganges-Brahmaputra system in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although the species has a large distribution area and is classified as “least concern” overall, certain local populations are apparently overfished. This species, which reaches a length of up to 150 cm, is very rarely kept in aquaria. The specimens that we can currently offer and that we have photographed for this post are 6-8 cm long and come from Bengal.
Rita rita is a predatory fish that feeds almost exclusively on a carnivorous diet. In the wild, they reach sexual maturity at lengths of around 30 cm. Externally recognizable sexual differences are not known, except in the shape of the genital papilla and the generally fuller figure of the females. R. rita behaves peacefully towards each other and towards fish that are not suitable as food. They are somewhat shy animals that appreciate the company of conspecifics, at least as juveniles. In terms of water composition, Rita catfish (the name is derived from a local name on the Ganges) are undemanding, they are also sometimes found in brackish water and can apparently even live in the sea for a limited time. The water temperature for Rita catfish can be between 18 and 26°C.
For our customers: these animals have code 453533 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
