How to Identify Mekong Giant Catfish

To identify Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Adults are typically uniformly grey to dark grey on the dorsal surface, fading to a silvery-white on the flanks and ventral side. Juveniles may have a slightly darker, more mottled appearance.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Absence of teeth in adults (replaced by a dental pad), Absence of barbels in adults (present in juveniles), Large, broad head with a wide mouth, Smooth, scaleless skin, Deeply forked caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively small dorsal fin located anteriorly, without a spine.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, powerful caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming fish.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad pectoral fins, often with a serrated spine in juveniles (less pronounced in adults).

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively small. Anal fin is long and low.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Its immense size (up to 3 meters and 350 kg) immediately distinguishes it from most other freshwater fish.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Adults lack barbels, a key differentiator from many other large catfish species in the Mekong. Juveniles possess small, vestigial barbels that disappear with age.

3. 3

   Teeth

   Adults lack teeth, possessing a dental pad instead. This is a unique feature among large catfish.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Uniform grey to silvery-white coloration without distinct patterns or spots.

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