They are often referred to as the 'king of the Indian aquatic system'. In Odisha, Mahseer fish species have earlier been reported from the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers and the Similipal region.

TASTY but hard to catch, the wild mahseer or “ikan kelah” is highly desired by anglers. The high price this freshwater game fish can fetch has also made it a popular fishing target.