The golden mahseer (Tor putitora) is a large and striking freshwater fish species known for its golden scales and impressive size. Native to rivers and freshwater systems in South Asia and Southeast Asia, it is particularly abundant in the Himalayan region, including rivers in Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. This species is highly valued by anglers for its strength and fighting ability, making it a popular target for sport fishing. However, overfishing and habitat destruction have led to population declines in many areas, prompting conservation efforts to protect this iconic species. The golden mahseer is an important cultural and ecological symbol in the region, playing a significant role in local ecosystems and traditional fishing practices.

1. University of Chakwal, Pakistan

2. Topic: Mahseer: Golden Mahseer
(Tor putitora)
Department of Zoology
Course Title: Ichthyology
Presented by: Hifza Arif
Reg. No.: UOC-BSZOL-F2020/022
Session: 2020-24
Instructor’s Name: Dr. Syeda Nadia Ahmad

3. Golden Mahseer

4. Contents
Introduction
Taxonomy
Distribution
General Characteristics
Importance
Unique or InterestingFacts
Masheer: Pakistan’sNationalFish
ConservationStatus
Declineof MahseerPopulations
ConservationMeasures Needed
Recent ResearchFindings
References

5. Introduction
• Mahseer, derived from “mahi” meaning fish and
“sher” meaning tiger, is often called tiger among
fishes.
• One of the toughest freshwater sport fish.
• Known for their impressive size, strength and
distinctive scales.
• Belonging to the carp family, Cyprinidae .
• National fish of Pakistan, also known as Himalayan
Mahasher or Golden Mahasher. [6]

6. Taxonomy
Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Cypriniformes
Family Cyprinidae
Genus Tor
Species T. putitora

7. Distribution
• The mahseer species has been reported from across
the Himalayan region and elsewhere in south Asia
and southeast Asia, ranging from Afghanistan,
Pakistan, India (Darjeeling to Kashmir), China,
Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar ,
western Iran to eastern Thailand. [3], [6]

8. General Characteristics
Habitat
Morphology
Feeding
Habit
Migratory
Behavior
Parental
Behaviorand
Breeding
Habits

9. • Has thick cycloid scales.
• Lateral line scales, ranging from 24 to 28.
• Large powerful jaws, thick lips with relatively long barbels ,
and a protrusible mouth.
• Body elongated and fusiform.
• Body color: golden on dorsal side and fins are reddish yellow.
• Grow at a rate of about 10cm per year.
• Can attain maximum size of about 90 kg with 2 meters height.
• Male can be identified by long pectoral fins with a length of
2.7 m and weigh well over 100 lbs.
• Female can be distinguished by relatively shorter pectoral fins
compared to males. Have more streamlined body shape and
tend to be smaller in size, with length 1.5 meters and weight
up to 50 lbs. [3], [6]
Morphology

10. Fig. 01: Golden Mahseer’s Morphology
https://images.app.goo.gl/4aSSEkHjEm6czvNG7

11. Morphology Cont..
Fins:
• Golden Mahseer has rayed fins.
• Fin formula of Golden Mahseer is:
D11-12 A8-9P15-16V8-9C17-19
• Dorsal fin has 11-12 rays and enhances stability and agility.
• Anal fin has 8-9 rays and maintain balance and provide
guidance.
• Pectoral fins has 15-16 rays and aid in steering and control.
• Pelvic or ventral fins has 8-9 rays and provide stability and
assist in directing movement.
• Caudal fin has 17-19 rays and propel the fish forward and
ensure mobility.

12. Fig. 02: Golden Mahseer’s Morphology
(protrusible mouth + cycloid scales + fins)
https://images.app.goo.gl/psfGqBv4bDEdX39dA

13. Habitat
• Found in rivers and lakes.
• Live in clean, fast-flowing water with lots of oxygen,
often in streams that have rocks and stones.
• Can tolerate temperatures ranging from cool to warm,
typically between 13°C to 30°C. [6]
Feeding Habit
• Most of mahseer species have omnivorous habits.
• During migration, fish of all ages remain carni-
omnivorous.
• Fishes with size less than 46 cm long become
piscivorous. [6]

14. Migratory Behavior
• Their migratory behavior is influenced by both
climatic conditions and their body conditions.
• During heavy monsoon rains, they migrate upstream
to find the ideal spawning grounds.
• Once they reach maturity, they tend to stay in lowland
rivers and lakes or deeper pools.
• Can cover 60-70 km in 24 hours. [6]

15. Fig. 03: Migratory Behavior of Golden Mahseer
https://images.app.goo.gl/hFbnHrKefEWYxCyLA

16. Parental Behavior and Breeding Habits
• Exhibit limited parental behaviors, primarily focusing
on selecting suitable spawning sites and potentially
providing some initial protection to their eggs.
• Exhibit unique breeding behaviors, influenced by
their body weight, laying more eggs than other carps.
• Prefer gravel or sandy stream beds for spawning.
• Migrate long distances to find suitable spawning
grounds.
• Spawning typically occurs between April and
September, although younger fish may spawn earlier.
• During breeding, a female mahseer can produce
between 6,000 to 10,000 eggs per kilogram of body
weight. [6]

17. Importance
• Hold considerable economic importance due to their
roles in sport fishing, commercial fishing for food,
and sales as ornamental aquarium fish.
• Commercially important game fish, as well as highly
esteemed food fish.
• Well-known for their health benefits.
• Rich in high quality proteins, essential for tissue
repair, growth, and the synthesis of important
substances like, blood and hormones.
• Certain amino acids found in it, such as aspartic acid,
glycine and glutamic acid, play a key role in wound
healing processes. [4], [6]

18. Fig. 04: Golden Mahseeras Ornamental AquariumFish
https://images.app.goo.gl/Pnid2Qr6Ds7Bxmfe9

19. • Known as “tiger among fishes”
• Resembling the tiger not only in name but also in
spirit as it is renowned for its fierce resistance when
caught.
• Huge cyprinid regarded as the hardest freshwater
sport fish.
• Sensitive to water temperature, thriving in colder
waters with a limited tolerance of warm water.
• Serving as a vital indicator of the health of freshwater
ecosystems. Its presence or absence can signal
significant changes in environmental condition.
• Aid in the dispersal of seeds of aquatic plants, hence
promoting plant diversity. [6]
Unique or Interesting Facts

20. Mahseer: Pakistan’s National Fish
• Pakistan boasts some of the world’s best freshwater fishing
experiences, particularly for Mahseer.
• It was declared the national fish of Pakistan in 2019, aims to
raise awareness about the need to preserve aquatic biodiversity in
the country.
• Also known as the King of swat, found in freshwater bodies
across every province of Pakistan.
• Renowned for its commercial value as a game and food fish.
• Despite its beauty and significance, however, many Pakistanis
are unaware of the Mashseer’s existence, with anglers preferring
Rohu and others for their taste and availability.
• Recent studies have indicated decline in Mahseer’s populations
across the country.
• Recognizing this decline regular authorities have taken notice,
with organizations like the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation,
Fisheries Development Board, WWF Pakistan, and the Ministry
of Environmet’s Pakistan Wetlands Programme working together
to conserve the Mahseer. [6]

21. Conservation Status
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) recently has been labeled endangered status
for the Golden Mahseer. [5], [6]

22. Decline of Mahseer Populations
Following factors are contributing decline of
Mahseer populations:
• Habitat loss due to dam construction and
deforestation
• Pollution (industrial, agricultural etc.)
• Unsustainable or illegal fishing practices
• Overfishing
• Introduction of Invasive Species
• Climate change
• Lack of effective conservation measures [5], [6]

23. Conservation Measures Needed
• Habitat Restoration
• Pollution Control
• Sustainable Fishing Practices
• Research and Monitoring
• Community Engagement [5], [6]

24. Recent Research Findings
• New studies have highlighted the challenges facing
Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) populations, such as
overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
• In response, researchers are exploring innovative
breeding strategies to boost population numbers.
• Additionally, there's a growing focus on disease control
within mahseer communities.
• Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and
fishing regulations, are essential for their protection.
• Continuous research and monitoring are crucial for
understanding population trends and implementing
effective conservation measures [1] [2].

25. References
1. Akhtar, M. S., & Ciji, A. (2023). The Endangered Mighty Mahseer (Tor putitora) in
the Himalayan Waters. In Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Temperate
Himalayas (pp. 81-94). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
2. Bhat, R. A. H., Mallik, S. K., Tandel, R. S., & Shahi, N. (2023). An Overview of
Cold-Water Fish Diseases and Their Control Measures. Fisheries and Aquaculture
of the Temperate Himalayas, 255-283.
3. Jaafar, F., Na-Nakorn, U., Srisapoome, P., Amornsakun, T., Duong, T. Y., Gonzales-
Plasus, M. M., ... & Parhar, I. S. (2021). A current update on the distribution,
morphological features, and genetic identity of the Southeast Asian mahseers, Tor
species. Biology, 10(4), 286.
4. Kamalam, B. S., Rajesh, M., Sharma, P., & Ciji, A. (2023). Coldwater Fish
Nutrition in the Indian Himalayas. In Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Temperate
Himalayas (pp. 205-222). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
5. Pinder, A. C., Britton, J. R., Harrison, A. J., Nautiyal, P., Bower, S. D., Cooke, S. J.,
... & Raghavan, R. (2019). Mahseer (Tor spp.) fishes of the world: status,
challenges and opportunities for conservation. Reviews in Fish Biology and
Fisheries, 29, 417-452.
6. Yousaf, M., Hasan, Z., Zaidi, F., & Rasheed, S. B. (2021). An overview of the
taxonomic instability of endangered Golden and Zhobi mahseer in
Pakistan. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 83, e243975.