Common names: Aarel, Aerel, Aheer
Occurrence: native
Salinity: freshwater
Abundance: common (usually seen) | Ref: Gopi, K.C., 2000
Importance: commercial | Ref: Talwar, P.K. and A.G. Jhingran, 1991
Aquaculture: likely future use | Ref: Arunachalam, M. and A. Manimekalan, 2000
Regulations: | Ref:
Uses: live export: yes;
Comments: Known throughout India (Ref. 43638): in Maharashtra (Ref. 43634); Bhavani, Moyar, Tamil Nadu; Karimpuzha, Kunthipuzha; Arikayam puzha, Kerala (Ref. 44148); Andamans (Ref. 45255). There is a good live export market for both the elvers and the adults (Ref. 4832). Utilized as food by the tribal people, "Kanis" of Kanyakumari District (Ref. 45217). Highly prized as food fish because of its nutritional value. Fish mucous from live fish mixed with rice or wheat flour is used as medicine for arthritis. Also Ref. 43640. Status of threat: Endangered (Ref. 44150).
National Checklist:
Country Information: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
National Fisheries Authority:
Occurrences: Occurrences Point map
Main Ref: Menon, A.G.K., 1999
National Database: