LARGE Red Mahseer (8-9”)

Red Mahseer Overview

• Common Name: Red Mahseer

• Scientific Name: Tor putitora

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Himalayan regions of Asia including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Myanmar.

• Adult Size: Typically 3–4 feet in the wild; 2–3 feet in captivity.

• Weight: Can exceed 40 kg (88 lbs) in the wild

• Lifespan: Up to 20 years in ideal conditions

Natural Environment

• Habitat:

  • Fast-flowing rivers, streams, and lakes, often in mountainous areas at altitudes of 300 to 2,000 meters above sea level.

  • They are typically found in cool, oxygen-rich waters.

  • Prefers rocky or gravel substrates in flowing water but can also tolerate slow-moving areas with proper oxygenation.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, though they are relatively adaptable to different water types.

  • Water Flow: Prefer moderate to high water flow (they thrive in well-oxygenated environments).

• Behavior:

  • Active and schooling fish in the wild, although they can become more solitary as they grow.

  • Can travel long distances during seasonal migrations, and in the wild, they are known for their agility and strength.

Diet

The Red Mahseer is a carnivorous and omnivorous species, with a varied diet:

• Wild Diet:

  • Insects, small fish, crustaceans, and worms

  • Some plant matter like algae and fallen fruits

• In Captivity:

  • High-quality carnivore pellets or flakes

  • Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish (minnows, tilapia)

  • Vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini, though this should be a small part of their diet.

  • They are aggressive feeders and will eagerly consume live food, but overfeeding live prey should be avoided to prevent over-stimulation.

Recommended Aquarium Setup

Due to their large size and active nature, Red Mahseers require specialized care and a huge amount of space:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum 300-500  gallons for a single adult

  • Juveniles can be housed in smaller tanks, but they grow very quickly and will outgrow smaller setups in a matter of months or years.

• Aquascaping & Environment:

  • Strong filtration to keep the water oxygenated and clean.

  • Rocky or gravel substrates with plenty of open swimming space.

  • Moderate to high water flow to mimic their natural river environment

  • A large open swimming area is necessary, as Red Mahseers are active and powerful swimmers.

• Tank Mates:

  • They may harass smaller tankmates, especially when young or hungry.

  • Best kept with other large species like catfish, large barbs, or peaceful cichlids.

  • Avoid small, slow-moving fish, as they may get picked on.

Other Considerations

• Size and Space: They grow incredibly fast in the right conditions and need vast amounts of swimming space. They are best suited for large public aquariums, private ponds, or specially designed large fish tanks.

• Aggression: While generally peaceful, juveniles can be more territorial or aggressive. As they grow, their aggression can increase, particularly during feeding time or if space is limited.

• Jumping: Like many active fish, they can be strong jumpers, so a secure tank lid is recommended.

• Water Quality: They require clean, well-oxygenated water, and their tank should be kept in pristine condition with frequent water changes (at least 30% every week).