This buffalo fish is a carp-like fish which can grow to a large size. It is found commonly in rivers and freshwater lakes in and around South Asia and South-East Asia. It is a highly regarded fish eaten on auspicious occasions. The roe of rohu is also considered as a delicacy by Oriyas and Bengalis by whom it is deep fried and served hot as an appetizer. It is also stuffed inside pointed gourd to make potoler dolma which is considered a delicacy. Rohu is also served deep fried in mustard oil, as kalia which is a rich gravy made of concoction of spices and deeply browned onions and tok, where the fish is cooked in a tangy sauce made of tamarind and mustard.
