Kelah is a fish from the genus Tor. The general name of 'mahseer' (Indian for 'big head') is popularly used. In the nothern parts of India, mahseer is also called 'kurriah' or 'kukhiah' ,whilst our kejor (tengas) is called 'kajra'.

There is high possibility that the anme of kelah is derived from these terms. After all, the Hindu civilisation was the earliest to entrench itself in the Malay Peninsula.
"There he stood, the Mahseer off the Poonch, beside whom the Tarpon is a Herring and he who catches him can say he is a fisherman"

-Rudyard Kipling- Source



Scientific name :Tor tambroides; Tor tambra

English name:Malaysian Red Mahseer; Thai Red Mahseer; Greater Brook Carp
Local names: Kelah (Peninsular Malaysia), Empurau/Semah (Sarawak), Pelian (Sabah)
Distribution :Indian, Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra.
Habitat:Medium to large rivers with rocky, sandy and leafy bottom. Prefers highly oxygenated water and dark environment.

Habits :Stations itself in prime lies where its needs of security, shelter and food it readily served. May forage in shallow areas or close to rapids when it is assured of security. A very shy fish.
Diet Jungle fruits, insects, crustaceans. When mature, it may forage on small baitfish.