Giant Pangasius, also known as Chao Phraya Giant Catfish, Paroon Shark, or Pangasid-Catfish, is a type of freshwater fish related to shark catfish.
It lives in the Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers in Indochina. This fish has become critically endangered because of overfishing.
Giant pangasius prefers large rivers, and young ones are found in bigger tributaries. Both young and adult fish eat other fish and crustaceans.
Some of the larger ones even feed on dead birds or dogs, which are often used as bait.
Giant pangasius is a migratory fish that spawns before the rainy season. In the past, fishing this fish involved religious rituals.
This fish is important for food and is mentioned in various textbooks and media outlets. It’s typically sold fresh at markets.
However, threats like overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution have put this species at risk.
Giant Pangasius Interesting Facts
- Giant pangasius (Pangasius sanitwongsei) is a critically endangered freshwater fish found in the Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers in Indochina.
- It eats other fish, crustaceans, and sometimes dead birds or dogs.
- This species can grow up to a maximum length of 118.1 inches (300.0 centimeters) and weigh as much as 300 kg (661 lbs). But most of these fish reach a length of 19.7 inches (50.0 centimeters) long.
- Threats to its survival include overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution.
Giant Pangasius Habitat
Giant pangasius lives in Asia, specifically in the Chao Phraya and Mekong River basins.
It’s a freshwater species that swim close to the bottom (benthopelagic) and migrates within rivers (potamodromous).
Giant pangasius thrives in tropical climates between 25°N to 9°N latitudes.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Giant Pangasius Physical Characteristics
Size: 19.7 inches (50.0 centimeters)
Giant pangasius is a large fish species. The maximum length it grows up to is 118.1 inches (300.0 centimeters).
But, this fish is commonly found at around 19.7 inches (50.0 centimeters). The maximum recorded weight for this species is 300 kg (661 lbs).
Giant Pangasius Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pangasiidae |
| Genus: | Pangasius |
| Scientific Name: | Pangasius sanitwongsei |
| Also Known As: | Giant Pangasius, Chao Phraya Giant Catfish, Paroon Shark, Pangasid-Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Critically Endangered |