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Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton, 1822)

Image contributors to this species:

Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (1) Andrew Rao (2)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 29 - 32. Eye small, its diameter more than 7 times in head length (in 18 cm long specimens); bright yellow caudal fin in adults; maxillary barbel extends to gill aperture; 23-28 gill rakers on first arch. Found in large rivers and estuaries. Occurs in high estuary (freshwater tidal zone) as juveniles, moving to brackish water as sub-adults, and finally as adults to river mouths and inshore areas. Longevity given as 10 years but appears too low. Reproduction: Reared for consumption in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam; excellent food fish with very white fine grained sweet flesh. Diet: Feeds on snails, other mollusks and plants. Etymology: The specific name pangasius: Latinisation of pangas, Assamese name for this catfish in India. Remarks: This catfish is not really recommended for the home aquarium as they grow too big and have special requirements that we as aquarists can never attain. Do not buy from Fish stores if they are labeled as such, or as Pangasius species.

Common Name:

Yellowtail catfish

Synonyms:

Pimelodus pangasius, Pangasius buchanani, Pangasius pangasius godavarii, Pangasius pangasius upiensis

Family:

Pangasiidae

Distribution:

Asia: Rivers and estuaries of Indian subcontinent. Type locality: Estuaries of Bengal.

Size:

300.0cm. (10ft.0ins)

Temp:

23-28°C (73-83°F)

p.H.

6.0-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Available catch data for Pangasius pangasius suggests that it is being overexploited resulting in inferred population declines. In the absence of such data from throughout its entire range and observations that this species is still commonly encountered, this species is assessed as Least Concern for now, but further monitoring is needed to fully ascertain the effects of fishing mortality on this species and needs updating (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (02/2010).
Pal, M. 2010. Pangasius pangasius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
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.

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

Pangasius pangasius

Pangasius pangasius

Pangasius pangasius
Juvenile

Pangasius pangasius
Juvenile - head view

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