Bagarius yarrelli, known as the giant devil catfish, inhabits fast-flowing rivers across South Asia. It features a flattened head, muscular body, and a mottled grey-brown skin for camouflage. This apex predator is known for its formidable size, reaching up to 2 meters, and has a reputation for aggressive behavior.

Bagarius yarrelli, commonly known as the giant devil catfish or goonch, is native to South Asia. Its geographical distribution includes the river basins of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra across countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

The giant devil catfish typically inhabits large river systems with fast-flowing waters. It is often found in deep pools and areas with strong currents, which are characteristic of its native river habitats. The climate of these regions is generally tropical to subtropical, with monsoon seasons bringing significant fluctuations in water levels.

Bagarius yarrelli is a benthic predator, occupying the ecological niche of a top predator in its aquatic ecosystem. It feeds on a variety of prey, including fish and invertebrates. Its adaptations to fast-flowing river environments include a robust body and strong pectoral fins, which aid in navigating and stabilizing within turbulent waters.