Wallago fish, also known as wallago attu or the helicopter catfish, is a freshwater fish species found in rivers and lakes across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia. This fish is highly valued as a food fish and is also a popular sport fish among anglers.
The Wallago fish has a long, slender body that can grow up to 1.5 meters in length in the wild, although it typically reaches about half that size in captivity. Its body is covered in large, tough scales that are grey or brown in color, and it has a distinctive flat head with a wide mouth filled with sharp teeth.
This fish is a predatory species that feeds on other fish, crustaceans, and small aquatic creatures. It is known for its unique hunting technique, which involves using its pectoral fins to “hover” above the water and detect prey, earning it the nickname “helicopter catfish.”
| Serial No. | Characteristics | Description |
| 1. | Common name | Wallago |
| 2. | Scientific name | Wallago attu |
| 3. | Colour | Dark grey or blackish-brown |
| 4. | Average length in m | Up to 2 meters |
| 5. | Average weight in kgs | Up to 50 kgs |
| 6. | Found in river systems of India | Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Indus and Godavari |
| 7. | Habitat | Wallago is a freshwater fish that prefers deep pools in rivers with fast currents, and can also be found in lakes and reservoirs. |
| 8. | Special characteristics | Wallago is known for its large size and predatory behavior, often feeding on other fish and even small mammals. It has a powerful and elongated body with sharp teeth and spines on its fins, making it a challenging catch for anglers. |
Wallago is known for its large size and predatory behavior, often feeding on other fish and even small mammals. It has a powerful and elongated body with sharp teeth and spines on its fins, making it a challenging catch for anglers.
Features
Wallago is a genus of large, predatory freshwater catfish found in Southeast Asia and parts of India. Wallago fish can grow to be quite large, with some species reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. They can also be quite heavy, with some specimens weighing up to 80 kg (176 pounds). Wallago fish can have a variety of colors, depending on the species and their environment. Some are brown or gray, while others may be more green or yellow. Wallago fish have a long, cylindrical body shape with a flattened head and a large mouth full of sharp teeth. Their fins are also quite long and can be used for propulsion as well as maneuvering. As predators, Wallago fish primarily feed on other fish, but they have been known to eat small mammals and birds as well. While there is limited data on Wallago fish swimming speeds, they are generally considered to be relatively fast and agile, which helps them to catch their prey.
Habitat
Wallago fish are found in freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia and parts of India. They are typically found in slow-moving rivers, large lakes, and other bodies of water with murky or turbid water. Some species of Wallago fish are also known to inhabit floodplains and swamps.
River System
Wallago fish are found in several river systems in India, particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. The Ganges River is one of the largest river systems in India and is home to several species of Wallago fish, including the Wallago attu. The Brahmaputra River is another major river system in northeastern India, and Wallago attu is found in this river as well. The Mahanadi River is a large river system in central India, and Wallago attu is known to inhabit this river as well. The Godavari River is the second-longest river in India, and Wallago attu is one of the many species of fish found in this river. The Indus River is a large river system in the northwestern part of India, and Wallago attu is known to inhabit the upper reaches of this river.
Threatened Status
The conservation status of Wallago species varies depending on the species and their distribution. However, some Wallago species are considered to be threatened or vulnerable due to habitat loss, overfishing, and other human activities.
For example, the Wallago attu species, which is found in several river systems in India and Southeast Asia, is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The main threats to this species include overfishing, habitat loss and degradation due to dam construction and other development activities, pollution, and climate change.
Additionally, there is a high demand for this species in the commercial and recreational fishing industries due to their large size and predatory nature, which further contributes to their decline.
Other species of Wallago fish may have similar threats to their survival and conservation status. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and the establishment of protected areas, may be necessary to ensure the long-term survival of Wallago fish and other freshwater species in their natural habitats.
