Giant pangasius

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This article is about Pangasius sanitwongsei; for Pangasianodon gigas which may share this common name, see Mekong giant catfish

Giant pangasius
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Siluriformes Family: Pangasiidae Genus: Pangasius Species: P. sanitwongsei
Binomial name
Pangasius sanitwongsei

The Giant pangasius or Chao Phraya giant catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei) is a species of freshwater fish in the shark catfish family (family Pangasiidae) of order Siluriformes, native to mainland Southeast Asia.

Contents 1 Appearance 2 Distribution 3 Diet 4 Reproduction 5 References

[edit] Appearance

The Giant pangasius has a wide, flat, whiskerless head. It has a silver, curved underside and a dark brown back. Its dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins are dark gray. Full-grown adults can reach ten feet in length and weigh up to 646 pounds.^[1]

[edit] Distribution

The Giant pangasius is found in freshwater bodies of water in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.^[2] They are benthopelagic swimmers.^[3]

[edit] Diet

The Giant pangasius eats frozen Prawns, lance fish, and cockles. It has been known to eat anything that will fit in its mouth.^[4]

[edit] Reproduction

The Giant pangasius typically spawns just prior to the monsoon season.^[5]

[edit] References

1. ^ Moody Gardens article
2. ^ Moody Gardens article
3. ^ Zipcode Zoo article
4. ^ Fish index
5. ^ Moody Gardens article