What is a Goonch Catfish?
The Bagarius yarelli, also known as the goonch catfish, remains one of the most terrifying and fascinating species of fish. It has been dubbed as the “devil catfish” and a “river monster” due to its specific characteristics and temperament.
Found in Nature
The devil catfish calls Southern Asia and Southeast Asia home. It prefers to dwell in larger bodies of water, such as large rivers. Due to its size, it is highly unlikely that someone will spot one of these monsters in a creek or shallow stream.
Diet
The diet of the goonch catfish is like that of other catfish. They enjoy feeding on smaller fish or animals, will eat plants, and do not mind the occasional bottom feeding. When food sources run low, these monsters will still find something to snack on.
Characteristics
The goonch catfish has distinguishing characteristics that make it easy to identify. It is one of the larger varieties of catfish with a potential length of almost six feet long and a weight of over 150 pounds. Most people refer to this fish as being the size of a man, hence the nickname river monster.
The features of the goonch catfish are in proportion with its large body. A massive jaw is a home to rows of sharp teeth. Its whiskers can be a few feet long, and its body is strong enough to take down a water buffalo. These characteristics combined with an aggressive temperament make this fish one of the most sought after and terrifying fishes.
Goonch Attacks
The goonch attacks of the Kali River made this fish famous. In a span of 10 years, several attacks were reported in a five-mile span of the river. The villagers in this area grew terrified of the man-eating river monster, and investigations began. Some recalled seeing an animal that looked like a pig take a small boy underwater. Others swore that it was something they had never seen before.
Investigators ruled out one possibility after another one, from whirlpools pulling things under to crocodiles. Finally, a goonch catfish was spotted. The investigation determined that there were much larger fish of the same species in the river, and they were the cause of the deaths.
Several rumors spouted during the investigation. One was that the fish began to eat human remains that were discarded into the river after funerals. Once the fish begin to eat them, they grew larger, stronger and had a new appetite for human flesh. This theory has only added to the fear and fascination that most people experience regarding the goonch catfish.
Captivity
Regardless of the terrifying rumors, there is something fascinating about the goonch catfish that seems to be contagious to all who learn about them or come in contact with them. They remain a popular exhibit in zoos and aquariums. Some people have large aquariums in their homes with their own pet goonch. There is simply something about this unique fish that makes it breathtakingly beautiful.
Most people either enjoy the terrifying tales of this fish, the danger of trying to catch one, or the elegant way that such a large fish can swim. Regardless of what you look for in a fish, you can find delight in the goonch.
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