Catfish, Giant Mekong. (Pangasianadon gigas). Max weight 293 kg/ 644 lb. Omnivorous/ Predatory.
The Giant Mekong Catfish is restricted in its range to the Mekong River and its tributaries in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. This highly endangered species is a contender for the largest freshwater fish in the world. Commercial fishing for this species in the Mekong River has been banned in Thailand due to the highly endangered status that this fish holds. This migratory giant has been netted at weights approaching 300 kg’s but sadly specimens of this size are becoming extremely rare due to commercial fishing and the construction of Dams blocking its migratory routes. The Giant Mekong Catfish is an extremely muscular fish with a shark-like colouration of silver/ grey. This monster catfish species reaches lengths of over 4 metres and has a huge rudder like tail and vast cavernous mouth. The Giant Mekong Catfish has a smooth shark-like body without scales with orange fins and tail and is possibly the hardest fighting freshwater fish on the planet. Although endangered in its natural environment this heavy weight catfish is to be found in most of Thailand’s commercial fisheries reaching weights of over 100kg’s.
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