Deccan Rita

About

Deccan Rita (Rita kuturnee) is one of those catfish that most hobbyists have never encountered, partly because the whole Rita genus barely makes it into the trade. Native to the large river systems of peninsular India, including the Krishna river drainage, this is a fish built for moving water and open space. It grows to a respectable size, somewhere in the range of seven to nearly twelve inches, so it commands attention as a bottom dweller without being an absolute monster. In terms of temperament, it is fairly easygoing with fish that can hold their own, but anything small enough to fit in its mouth is fair game, so this is definitely a community catfish for tankmates of comparable size. Think large robust barbs, bigger cichlids, or armored loricariids rather than small tetras or nano species. Groups can work in a spacious setup, but each individual will want a dedicated hiding spot to retreat to. Caves, large driftwood, or overhangs all do the trick. No captive breeding has been documented yet, so all specimens in the hobby originate from wild collection. When you do come across one, it is a rewarding and underappreciated addition for the intermediate keeper with the right setup.