Chandramara chandramara
Chandramara chandramara is a tiny catfish native to South Asian freshwater streams. It grows to only about 5 cm and is popular among aquarium hobbyists rather than sport anglers, but can be targeted with micro‑tackle.
Family
Bagridae
Max Size
5 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Spring to early summer when water temperatures rise to 22‑26 °C
Best Time
Early morning or late evening when insects are most active
No distribution map available
Upper Ganges near Varanasi
IndiaClear, fast-flowing stretch of the Ganges where Chandramara chandramara thrives among rocky substrates.
Best: Oct-Mar
Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga Reach
IndiaWide, deep channels near Kaziranga National Park with abundant insect larvae supporting catfish populations.
Best: Sep-Feb
Meghna River, Chandpur
BangladeshTidal freshwater stretch where Chandramara chandramara is abundant during the dry season.
Best: Nov-Feb
Chindwin River, Hkamti District
MyanmarRemote riverine habitat with rocky pools ideal for catfish; limited access makes it a bucket‑list spot.
Best: Oct-Jan
Kaveri River, Hogenakkal Falls
IndiaMildly turbulent waters at the falls' upstream section host healthy populations of Chandramara.
Best: Oct-Feb
Irrawaddy River, Mandalay Reach
MyanmarLarge, slow‑moving section with abundant vegetation; species present but less dense than in Indian rivers.
Best: Nov-Feb
Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, daphnia, or tiny earthworms