:
This article is about Pangasius sanitwongsei; for Pangasianodon gigas which has a similar common name, see Mekong giant catfishThe
giant pangasius or
Chao Phraya giant catfish (
Pangasius sanitwongsei) is a
species of
freshwater fish in the
shark catfish family (family Pangasiidae) of
order Siluriformes, found in the
Chao Phraya and
Mekong basins. These fish are
benthopelagic swimmers.
Physical characteristics
The giant pangasius is pigmented with dusky
melanophores. It has a wide, flat, whiskerless head. It has a silver, curved underside and a dark brown back. Its
dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins are dark gray and the first soft ray is extended into a filament. Full-grown adults can reach ten feet in length (300 cm) and weigh up to 646 pounds (293 kg).
Behavior
Juveniles and adults feed on
crustaceans and
fishes. The Giant pangasius is a migratory species. These fish typically spawn just prior to the
monsoon season.
Relationship to humans
Fishing of this species used to be accompanied by religious ceremonies and
rites. It is often mentioned in textbooks, news media, and popular press. This fish is a popular food fish and marketed fresh.
It is also very good deep fried.
These fish sometimes appear in the
aquarium fish hobby. There is even a "balloon" form of this fish where the fish has an unusually short and stocky body.
See also
