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Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1931

Image contributors to this species:

Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) Frants Lehmann (2 Stamps) Jean-Francois Helias (4) Karl-Heinz Dau (2 Stamps)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

One of the fastest growth rates of any fish in the world, reaching 150 to 200 kg in 6 years. Cited in the Guinness Book of Records as largest freshwater fish. Marketed fresh. Maximum length of 300 cm needs confirmation. Threatened due to over harvesting and habitat loss. Habitat: A migratory species that occurs in medium to large-sized rivers. Reproduction: Little is known on its general pattern of life and migratory journeys for spawning. Aquarium Care: Not fit for an aquarium as this species as the "Mekong giant catfish" does not belong in the home aquarium, as this is one of the worlds largest freshwater fish and as such should be admired from afar! International trade banned (CITES I, since 1.7.1975; CMS Appendix I). Diet: Feeds on detritus and algae on the bottom and feeds only on vegetation in the river but takes other food in captivity. Etymolgy: The specific name gigas: Latin meaning Giant.

Common Name:

Mekong giant catfish

Synonyms:

Pangasius gigas, Pangasius paucidens

Family:

Pangasiidae

Distribution:

Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya River basin; in cultivation elsewhere in Asia, including Viet Nam and Myanmar.Type locality: Cambodge.

Size:

300.0cm. (11ft.4ins)

Temp:

22-28°C (71-83°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Given the ongoing threats to the species and its habitat, the population decline rate seen over the last 21 years is not expected to diminish over the next 24 years. Therefore, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered A4bcde, but needs updating (IUCN 2011).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2006. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (05/2006).
Hogan, Z. 2011. Pangasianodon gigas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011.
IUCN 2006 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org.
Roberts, T.R. and C. Vidthayanon, 1991. Systematic revision of the Asian catfish family Pangasiidae, with biological observations and descriptions of three new species. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 143:97-144.
ScotCat Factsheet no. 123. Sept. 2006.

Family: Pangasiidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Pangasianodon gigas

Pangasianodon gigas
Head view

Pangasianodon gigas
Stamp

Pangasianodon gigas
Caught March 15, 2006, 70kg

Pangasianodon gigas
Caught Nov., 2005, 75kg

Pangasianodon gigas
Caught June 10th., 2006, 70kg

Pangasianodon gigas
Caught April15th., 2007, 80.5kg

Pangasianodon gigas
Stamp

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