Mekong Giant Catfish – Pangasianodon Gigas – Thai Fish Species
Species: Pangasianodon gigas.
Common names: Giant Mekong Catfish, Mekong Giant Catfish. Thai Name: Pla buk.
Distribution: They are native to Southeast Asia; their habitat is primarily in the Mekong River and its tributaries. The Mekong River flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong Giant Catfish are mostly found in the lower reaches of the Mekong River Basin. Historically, the natural distribution of the fish reached from the tidally influenced brackish water in the river delta, which is the lower part of the Mekong River in Vietnam. To the north of the river in Yunnan Province in China; that will say, it spans almost the entire length of the river’s 4,800 km.
Habitat: It prefers deep pools and stretches of slow flowing or still water in the river. These areas often have sandy or muddy bottoms.
Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)
Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)Mekong Giant Catfish are a remarkable and critically endangered species of freshwater catfish. They are one of the Catfish species in the Shark-Catfish family. Although research projects are currently underway, relatively little is known about this species. They typically have a streamlined body with a flat, broad head and a large mouth. Its body color can vary from gray to white, and their lack of scales is a common characteristic of Catfish.
The species is known for its remarkable migratory behavior, migrating long distances within the Mekong River system. But today, the Mekong Giant Catfish faces several threats, including habitat loss due to dam construction, water pollution, overfishing and changes in water flow patterns. These threats have contributed to a large decline in the wild population. The species is now thought to exist only in small, isolated populations in the middle Mekong region.
The Mekong Giant Catfish is now listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The biggest threats to their survival are the loss of its habitat. Various initiatives are being taken to protect this critically endangered species. These efforts include implementing fishing bans, establishing protected areas, and promoting sustainable river management practices. The efforts to preserve the species are not only crucial for the species itself. But also, for the overall health and biodiversity of the Mekong River ecosystem.
Lifespan and Size
The lifespan can vary depending on various factors, including environmental conditions and human activities. In the wild, these catfish typically have a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years. In captivity, these catfish can potentially live longer under the right conditions. The Mekong Giant Catfish is one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world.
These catfish can grow to an impressive size. On average, adult Mekong Giant Catfish are about 2 to 3 meters (approximately 6.6 to 9.8 feet) in length, although some individuals have been reported to reach lengths of up to 3.2 meters (over 10 feet) or more. They can also weigh several hundred kilograms, with individuals weighing over 300 kilograms (660 pounds) recorded in the past. It’s important to note that the size of these fish can vary depending on factors such as age, habitat conditions, and food availability. The present world record is 117.93 kg (260 lb. 0 oz) Caught in Gillhams Fishing Resort, Krabi, Thailand, on November 29, 2010.
Diet
Mekong Giant Catfish is a herbivorous Catfish species and feed on different types of algae. They scrape algae from rocks, submerged logs and other underwater surfaces using their large, specialized mouthparts. They also feed on small, decomposing organic particles, such as dead plant material and microorganisms, that settle on the riverbed.
Occasionally, they may consume zooplankton, which are small aquatic animals that drift in the water column. However, zooplankton is not a significant part of their diet. Their eating behavior is primarily focused on bottom feeding, where they use their large unique mouth with specialized teeth and sensory barbels to search for and consume food on or near the riverbed. Their plant-based diet, with an emphasis on algae and detritus, contributes to the overall ecological balance of their habitat. It is important to note that their diet can vary depending on the availability of food in their specific environment and life stage. In addition, the Mekong Giant Catfish undergoes significant dietary changes at different life stages, with young individuals initially consuming zooplankton and gradually transitioning to a more plant-based diet as they grow.
Mekong Giant Catfish Breeding Timeline
Breeding behavior and reproduction of the Mekong Giant Catfish in the wild. Are not well-documented due to their critically endangered status and the challenges of studying this species in its natural habitat. However, some general information about their breeding in the wild can be inferred from observations and research on closely related species. They are known for their remarkable migratory behavior, where they undertake long-distance migrations within the Mekong River system. They move upstream to spawn during the rainy season when water levels rise and return downstream during the dry season. The timing of this migration is often linked to changes in water flow and temperature.
Breeding grounds
These catfish typically migrate to specific breeding grounds in the upper reaches of the river and its tributaries. These areas are often characterized by swifter and clearer water, which is believed to be essential for successful spawning. They are thought to engage in social spawning, where multiple individuals gather in groups or aggregations for the purpose of reproduction. These spawning aggregations may consist of several adult catfish. The exact details of their breeding behavior, including the process of egg laying and fertilization, are not well-documented in the wild. However, it is believed that the female releases her eggs into the water, and the male(s) release sperm to fertilize the eggs externally.
After spawning, there is limited information about parental care or the protection of eggs or young by adult catfish. In many catfish species, eggs are left unattended, and the young catfish are believed to fend for themselves after hatching. Like many fish species, Mekong Giant Catfish go through a larval stage after hatching. During this stage, they are typically very small and may drift in the water currents before settling into their preferred habitat. Various measures, such as fishing bans during the spawning season and habitat conservation, are being implemented to support their reproduction and population recovery.
Gender
Gender determination of Mekong Giant Catfish can be challenging, especially in the absence of clear external sexual dimorphism (physical differences between males and females). Unlike some other fish species, where males and females have distinct differences in color, size, or fin shape, Mekong Giant Catfish generally lack such easily observable characteristics. However, there are a few methods that researchers and experts may use to determine the sex of these fish. In general, females tend to be larger than males as they mature. The size difference may become more apparent as they reach sexual maturity. However, size alone is not a reliable indicator, as there can be significant individual variation.
One of the most accurate methods for sex determination is through internal examination. This involves a surgical procedure to examine the reproductive organs of the fish. Males typically have testes, while females have ovaries. However, this method is invasive and requires specialized expertise. Can also use hormone analysis to determine the sex of Mekong Giant Catfish. Blood or tissue samples can be analyzed for the presence of specific hormones associated with male or female reproductive systems. This method is less invasive than internal examination but still requires expertise and laboratory facilities.
Observing the behavior
During the spawning season may provide some clues about their sex. Males may exhibit more aggressive or territorial behavior when competing for access to females. However, behavioral observations alone are not a definitive method for sex determination. Non-invasive methods like ultrasonography can sometimes be used to examine the internal anatomy of fish. Including the presence of reproductive organs. This technique has been applied in some research efforts to study the reproductive biology of these Catfish.
It’s important to note that determining the sex of Mekong Giant Catfish in the wild can be quite challenging due to their critically endangered status, their large size, and their elusive behavior. Many studies and conservation efforts rely on non-invasive methods and monitoring rather than invasive procedures to minimize disturbance to the population. For scientific research and conservation purposes, experts and researchers often employ a combination of methods to determine the sex of these catfish accurately and gather important data for their protection and management.
Mekong Giant Catfish Fishing method
Because they are herbivorous and feed on various types of algae, it’s not possible to catch them on hook and line in the wild. The reason they can be caught on hook and line in the stock pounds / Fishing Park’s here in Thailand; is because it is a farmed fish. They have learned from young to feed on bread and fish pellets. All fishing for this species is illegal in the wild in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. But the bans appear to be ineffective; the fish continue to be caught in all three countries.
However, in recognition of the threat to the species and to mark the 60th anniversary of Bhumibol Adulyadej’s ascension to the throne of Thailand, many Thai fishermen, agreed to stop catching the endangered catfish in June 2006. Thailand is the only country that allows fishing for private stocks of Mekong Giant Catfish; this will hopefully help to saving the species.