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Schilbeid fishes known as 'Valanj' (Ompak) are also common along with
Clupisoma and Pseudotropius. One more fish in this group is Neotropius
khavalchor. It has special short pointed teeth on the protruded part of the
snout forming a rasplike structure. With this rasp-like teeth, they remove
the scales of other larger fish and feed on the scales. Hence the name
Khavalchor. It is a small fish growing to about 6 in. or 15 cm. and occurs
in river Krishna in its upper reaches.
Magur and Shingi : This group comprising two genera, Hetero- pneustus
(Shingi) and Clarius (Magur), represents the air-breathing catfishes of
Maharashtra. As they live out of water for a long time and are tenacious,
they are usually sold in live condition. Because of this, they are very
popular especially with certain classes and are called 'Jeol' fish. They
inhabit muddy waters and feed on small insects and bottom debris. They
are usually dark grey in colour but in Magur, an albino form is sometimes
met with. It is yellowish white with red eyes. They have a habit of
remaining huddled up in one place. Magur occurs only in Vidarbha.
Gunj or Khiret: Bagarius bagarius, which is known as 'Gunj' or 'Khiret' is
the largest growing catfish. It is known to grow to about 200 kg. Young
ones are banded yellowish brown and grey and are liked by some people
but after the fish attains 20 kg. in weight, the flesh is considered rather
coarse. With its thick rostral barbel pointing backwards, depressed head
and greyish brown (banded) colour, the fish looks rather repulsive.
Smaller catfishes : Other catfishes such as Rita, Mystus (other than
Shingala), Glyptothorax, Nengra. Gagata etc. are all small in size. As some
of these occur in abundance they are considered commercially useful.
Their specific names are already mentioned in the taxanomic list.
(12) GLASS FISH
FAUNA 161