Mekong giant catfish
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing ; A migratory species which occurs in medium to large-sized rivers . Adults feed on detritus and algae on the bottom ; feeds only on vegetation in the river but takes other food in captivity; little is known on its general pattern of life and migratory journeys for spawning . Shows 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 .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal soft rays: 35; Vertebrae: 48. Body without stripes; posterior nostril located near anterior nostril; 7 branched dorsal-fin rays; gill rakers rudimentary or absent; fins grey, never black . The center of the eye above the horizontal line through the mouth angle in juveniles; eye totally below the level of mouth angle in subadults and adults. The maxillary and mandibulary pairs of barbels well developed in juveniles; mandibulary barbels become rudimentary in subadults and adults . Gigantic size; oral teeth and gill rakers present in small juveniles, absent at about 30-50 cm SL; dorsal, pelvic and pectoral fins without filamentous extensions . Distinguished from other large catfish in the Mekong by its lack of teeth and the almost complete absence of barbels : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mekong giant catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Tropical endemic to the Mekong basin where it has become rare due to overexploitation.
🌿 Ecology
detritus and algae on the bottom (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Mekong giant catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mekong giant catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🏆 World Records
| Record Type | Value | Angler | Location | Date | Line Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 293 kg | Reported catch | Chiang Khong, Thailand | 01 May 2005 | ALL |
Source: IGFA All-Tackle World Records database
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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