How to Identify Pangasius, Basa, Swai, Bocourti

To identify Pangasius, Basa, Swai, Bocourti (Pangasius bocourti), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Adults are typically silvery-grey on the dorsal and lateral surfaces, fading to a lighter, often whitish, ventral side. Juveniles may have a darker stripe along the lateral line.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Broad, flattened head, Small eyes, Two pairs of barbels (one maxillary, one mandibular), with maxillary barbels extending to or beyond the operculum, Absence of scales, Deeply forked caudal fin, Relatively small dorsal fin

Dorsal fin

Small, triangular, with 1-2 spines and 6-7 soft rays. Located anteriorly on the back.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, with a strong, serrated spine and 10-12 soft rays. Used for propulsion and stability.

Distinctive fins

Adipose fin is absent. Anal fin is long with 26-32 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Broad and somewhat flattened, distinguishing it from the more pointed heads of some other Pangasius species.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Two pairs of barbels; the maxillary barbels are notably long, often reaching past the gill cover.

3. 3

   Body Coloration

   Silvery-grey body, lighter on the belly, without prominent spots or stripes (though juveniles may have a faint lateral stripe).

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   Deeply forked caudal fin and a relatively small dorsal fin. Absence of an adipose fin.

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