Question

Name four varieties of edible fishes in India.

Answer 1

Hint: Many species of fish are consumed as food. Edible fishes are described as fishes that are edible and are commonly caught or farmed for food. There are several varieties of edible fishes inhabiting the seas and water resources within the Indian subcontinent. Edible fishes from India are even imported to several parts of the world. The fishing industry has major commercial value.

Complete answer:
Four varieties of edible fishes in India include Sardinella, Pomfrets, Catla, Labeo, etc. Sardinella is commonly known as sardine. It is an edible bony fish, living in shoals in almost all seas. There are several varieties of sardine. Eight species are common on the Indian coast. Pomfrets or butterfish is one of the most delicious and highly esteemed table fishes. Pomfrets enjoy wide distribution along the coasts of India, Pakistan, China, Persia, etc. Catla is a much preferred freshwater food fish, inhabiting the large rivers of northeast India. Labeo is a member of the carp family, inhabiting the Indian freshwaters. One of the common species of Labeo is Labeo rohitha. It is commonly known as ‘rohu’.

Additional Information:
- The body of sardine is soft and sleek and covered by cycloid scales. The trunk is laterally compressed.
- They are economically important. They form the major source of food for the common man.
Their flesh is a rich source of water, proteins, fats, and phosphorus.

Note:
- Pomfrets fishery is widely popular in India. Most of the landings are used afresh and small quantities are filleted and frozen for export.
- Pomfrets are highly prized in the market on account of the excellent taste of their flesh.
- Catla is the largest and one of the fastest-growing carp in India. So, it is widely cultured all over India.