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Beta Mahatvaraj (6) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (1) Abhisek Mishra (1)

Description: Rayed dorsal fin inserted above half of pectoral fin, with a feebly serrated spine along posterior margin. Pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin, spine with 15 to 20 antrorse teeth along inner margin, and 10 to 15 retrorse teeth along outer margin. Pelvic fin not reaching anal fin. Anal fin when laid flat not  reaching caudal base. Caudal fin forked, lobes equal. Least depth of caudal peduncle 1.2 to 2.2 in its length. Lateral line straight, arched above pectoral fins. Habitat: Endemic to the Mahanadi river system (Mishra, A). Colouration: Golden or creamy yellow above and on sides, whitish yellow beneath. Live specimens lead grey above and on sides, white beneath, some with alternating white and grey vertical bands on sides. Aquarium Care: The aggression is very contained in this species compared to other Rita species. Hiding spaces to be provided to further reduce any conspecific aggression (Mishra, A). Diet: Quite unfussy to feed as they readily accept all kinds of foods after settling down (Mishra, A). Etymology: The specific name chrysea: from the Greek chrysos, meaning gold, in reference to the colour. Remarks: Differs from other congeners in its colouration and restricted distribution. The speciman pictured (first six thumbnails) is from Rourkela, Orissa, Sundargarh district, India. Some online searches still have this species as in the Bagridae family.

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Ritidae

Asia: Mahanadi river system in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, India.

18.0cm (7ins)

22-26°C (71-79°F)

6.5-7.0.

Jayaram; K.C. Catfishes of India, Narendera Publishing House. p.13-14.
Mishra, Abhisek. pers. comm. 2023.