Yellow Mystus
"Bagrus galibensis" is a species of sea catfish in the family Bagridae. It is found in rivers and estuaries along the west coast of India, from Gujarat to Orissa. This species grows to a length of 50 cm (19 inches). "Bagrus galibensis" has been recorded from the Krishna, Godavari, and Mahanadi estuaries. "Bagrus galibensis" is a benthopelagic species that feeds on prawns, crabs, and mollusks. It breeds in seawater during the southwest monsoon months between March and September. Spawning may take place in estuaries as well as in the sea.
"Bagrus galibensis", or the large-eyed catfish, is a species of fish found in the Indian Ocean and commonly used for food. It grows to a maximum length of about 45 centimeters (18 inches). The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed this species as being of "least concern" because it is locally abundant and fished sustainably. The fish has ten dorsal spines, nine to eleven anal spines, one anterior spine on the operculum, and about thirty to forty soft rays. The upper jaw reaches beyond the rear edge of the eye. The head is broad with a depressed body. The eyes are large. This fish has four pairs of barbels, one pair each on the snout, maxilla, and lower jaw.
This species is commonly found in rivers, estuaries, and canals in shallow water along India's west coast from Gujarat to Odisha. It also occurs in brackish water, and it is believed to spawn in the sea during the southwest monsoon. This fish feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and prawns. It breeds between March and September, peaking in June; this probably coincides with the breeding season of its prey species. The nest is a small cavity dug about 10-50 centimeters deep in sand or mud.
While this fish is locally abundant, it has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List. It is captured commercially and also caught as a bycatch. The fishing methods include netting, trawling, line fishing, seine netting, gillnetting, cast netting, beach seine fishing, and spearfishing. The fish is marketed as fresh or dried salted for human consumption. It has low-fat content but is considered to have excellent taste. It can be cooked in different ways, including being split down the back, gutted, salted inside and out, sun-dried for two days, then fried in oil. It is also used dried or fresh for catfish soup.
Global yellow mystus production
Mystus fish are an important source of food and income for many people around the world. In fact, global production of mystus totaled more than 1.3 million tons in 2013, making it one of the most commercially important fish species. The majority of mystus production comes from Asia, where fish is highly prized as a food source. China is the largest producer of mystus, followed by India and Thailand.
Mystus are typically found in slow-moving or standing waters, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer warm water temperatures and can be found in both fresh and brackish water habitats. Mystus are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Mystus are an important food fish in many parts of the world. They are often fried or grilled and can be used in a variety of dishes. In Asia, mystus is commonly served with rice. In India, a popular dish made with mystus is called "tawa fry."
Global production of mystus has been steadily increasing in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the growing demand for fish as a source of protein in Asia, and the expansion of aquaculture operations that rear mystus for commercial sale. With continued growth in production, mystus will continue to be an important food fish for people around the world.