Pangasius Pangasius

Pangasius pangasius is another species of the Pangasius genus within the family of shark catfish (Pangasiidae). Pangasius pangasius occurs in large rivers and in the estuary areas on the Indian subcontinent and in Myanmar. It may be found in the Ganges, Godavari, the Irrawaddy and possibly in Krishna. Pangasius pangasius is an important edible fish that is caught in the wild but also farm raised in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. This way, the species was probably introduced to other areas.


Pangasius pangasius may reach up to three meters of body size, which makes it together with Pangasius gigas the largest species of the genus. The muzzle tapers while young, but is rounded off for older animals. The eyes are small. Their body has no particular features despite their immense size, however, the caudal fin of adult animals is of a bright yellow color.
Whereas the pups populate estuary freshwater areas, adults migrate later into brackish waters and even coastal areas. Pangasius pangasius feeds on molluscs, insects, other invertebrates, fish and plants. Sexual maturity is reached when the fish reach some 60 cm; their life expectancy might be well over 10 years.