| Family: |
Pangasiidae (Shark catfishes) |
| Max. size: |
35 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya, Meklong and Tapi basins. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal soft rays: 39-46. Abdomen with a well-developed median keel extending from throat to origin of anal fin. Dorsal fin advanced in position, with a strongly serrated spine; pectoral spines as long as or slightly longer than dorsal spine, strong, denticulated along their inner edge; pelvic fins small; anal fin low, long; adipose fin very small (Ref. 4792). Single, oval-shaped patch of teeth on each side of palate; eye large (Ref. 12693). |
| Biology: |
Occur in large and medium-sized rivers (Ref. 12693). Found in rapids and in deeper slower reaches (Ref. 37771). Common in the middle Mekong before the flood season where it is found in the lower reaches of tributary streams along with most of the cyprinids which would be found in the main stream of the Mekong when the water is clear. Feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects along with small amounts of plant matter. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 January 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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