Catfishes (order Siluriformes) or locally known as Ngakra (Manipuri) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the second longest, the wels catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the candiru, Vandellia cirrhosa. They are found in freshwater environments, though most inhabit shallow, running water. Representatives of at least eight families are hypogean (live underground) with three families that are also troglobitic (inhabiting caves). One such species is Phreatobius cisternarum, known to live underground in phreatic habitats. Numerous species from the families Ariidae and Plotosidae, and a few species from among the Aspredinidae and Bagridae, are found in salt water.

Catfish is eaten in a variety of ways.In Bangladesh and the Indian states of Orissa, West Bengal and North Eastern states of India is eaten as a favored delicacy during the monsoons. Manipuris usually like it dried rather than fresh.

Senapati is a district of Manipur state in India located in the northern part of state. The District is bounded on the south by Imphal District, on the east by Ukhrul District, on the west by Tamenglong District and on the north by Phek district of Nagaland Nagaland state. Senapati is the fourth largest district of Manipur within the union of India. Senapati district is under the charge of a Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate assisted by a number of other officials including District Supply Officer (FCS), one Assistant Engineer (Dev), one Assistant Election Officer, one Assistant Project Officer and one office Superintendent. The Deputy Commissioner functions as the Additional Development Commissioner, and he is also the ex-officio Chairman of the District Rural Development Agency, Senapati. The district is divided into five subdivisions.

Manipur is one of the seven states of Northeast India. The state is bound by Nagaland in the north, by Mizoram in the south, by Assam in the west, and by the borders of the country Burma in the east as well as in the south. Manipur consist of Meitei Pangal, Naga, Zomis, Kuki and Meitei and is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west; it also borders Burma to the east covering an area of 22,347 square kilometres. Manipur, as the name suggests, is a land of jewels. Its rich culture excels in every aspect as in martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture. The charm of the place is the greenery with the moderate climate making it a tourists' heaven.

The climate of Manipur is largely influenced by the topography of this hilly region which defines the geography of Manipur. Lying 790 meters above sea level, Manipur is wedged between hills on all sides. This north-eastern corner of India enjoys a generally amiable climate, though the winters can be a little chilly.

Source - Wikipedia

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