Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)

Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas):

The Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is a species of catfish native to the Mekong River basin.

Mekong Giant Catfish Facts:

• Anadromous fish.
• May weigh over 600 lbs.
• Represented in ancient art from the region.
• Very susceptible to overfishing.
• Only one spawning location in far northern Thailand.
• Fishing for the Mekong giant catfish is illegal in the wild in Thailand, Laos, & Cambodia.
• Now seen in the Bangkok River.
• Must reach 50 – 70 kg in size before it is able to breed.
• The largest known specimen, recorded in 1981, was a female measuring 2.7 m (~ 9 feet) long & weighing 293 kg (646 lb).

A National Geographic Documentary about the Mekong Giant Catfish is shown below.



Image of Mekong Giant Catfish - osanpo, (cc)

Posted by ALCHEssMIST.
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