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Ailia coila, commonly known as the Gangetic Ailia, is a small, schooling freshwater catfish belonging to the family Ailiidae. It is characterized by its translucent body, absence of a dorsal fin, and long, delicate barbels. This species is highly adapted to pelagic life in large river systems, exhibiting swift movements and a preference for clear, flowing waters.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Body is largely translucent or silvery-white, often with a faint yellowish or greenish tinge dorsally. The internal organs are visible through the skin, giving it a 'glass' appearance. Fins are hyaline (transparent).
- Scale type
- none
- Mouth position
- superior
- Distinctive features
- Absence of a dorsal fin (adipose fin is present but very small), Four pairs of long, delicate barbels around the mouth, Deeply forked caudal fin, Laterally compressed, elongated body, Translucent body allowing internal organs to be visible
- Dorsal fin
- Absent (adipose fin present, very small)
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked, symmetrical
- Pectoral fin
- Long and pointed, reaching beyond the pelvic fin origin
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are small; anal fin is very long, extending from behind the pelvic fins to the caudal peduncle.
Identification Tips
Dorsal Fin
The most striking feature is the complete absence of a true dorsal fin. Only a tiny adipose fin may be present near the caudal peduncle.
Body Translucency
Its 'glassy' or translucent body, especially when alive, makes internal organs visible, distinguishing it from most other catfish.
Barbels
Possesses four pairs of long, slender barbels around the mouth, which are highly sensitive and used for foraging.
Anal Fin Length
The anal fin is exceptionally long, extending for a significant portion of the ventral body profile.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in mid-water to surface layers of large rivers and associated floodplains.
- Environment
- Large, clear, fast-flowing rivers, canals, and sometimes inundated floodplains. Prefers areas with sandy or muddy bottoms and often congregates in deeper pools or channels. Requires good water quality and oxygenation.
- Geographic range
- Native to the major river systems of the Indian subcontinent, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 200 liters (50 gallons) for a small school
- Temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH level: 6.5-7.5
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Best kept in a species-only tank or with other peaceful, similarly sized, fast-moving fish that prefer similar water conditions. Avoid slow-moving or fin-nipping species.
- Special requirements: Requires a well-established, mature aquarium with excellent water quality and strong filtration. A good current is beneficial. Provide open swimming areas as well as some tall plants or driftwood for cover. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. Sensitive to poor water conditions and sudden changes.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeds during the monsoon season (June-September). Fishing activity is generally higher during the dry season when water levels are lower and fish are more concentrated.
- Market price: Low to medium, primarily for local consumption
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, delicate
- Texture: Soft, flaky
- Cooking methods: Frying, Curry, Steaming
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
No Dorsal Fininteresting
Ailia coila is one of the few catfish species that completely lacks a true dorsal fin, a unique adaptation for its pelagic lifestyle.
Glassy Appearanceinteresting
Its translucent body allows for the visibility of internal organs, earning it the local name 'Glass Catfish' in some regions.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
These fish are highly social and form large, cohesive schools, which is crucial for their survival in open water environments.
Sensitive Barbelsbehavior
The four pairs of long barbels are highly sensitive chemosensory organs, vital for detecting food in turbid waters and during low light conditions.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid injury to the fish. They are delicate due to their small size and soft bodies.
Similar Species
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus (formerly Kryptopterus bicirrhis)
While also translucent and lacking a dorsal fin, Kryptopterus vitreolus is native to Southeast Asia, has only two barbels (one pair), and a more elongated, less compressed body shape. Ailia coila has four pairs of barbels and a more compressed body.
Other Ailia species
Ailia punctata
Ailia punctata is a closely related species that can be distinguished by its smaller size, more numerous and distinct dark spots on the body, and generally a more restricted distribution.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Ailiidae
- Genus
- Ailia
- Species
- Ailia coila
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