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Pangasius pangasius, commonly known as the Pangas catfish, is a large, commercially important species of freshwater catfish belonging to the family Pangasiidae. It is native to the rivers and estuaries of South Asia. This species is characterized by its robust body, silvery coloration, and prominent barbels. It is highly valued for aquaculture and fisheries due to its rapid growth rate and palatable flesh.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Adults are typically silvery-grey to dark grey on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter, often whitish, ventral surface. Fins can be dusky, with a yellowish tinge on the pectoral and pelvic fins, especially in younger individuals, giving rise to the 'Yellowfin Catfish' common name. Juveniles may have a more pronounced silvery sheen.
- Scale type
- none
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Two pairs of barbels (one maxillary, one mandibular), with the maxillary pair being longer and reaching beyond the eye., Small, widely spaced eyes., Broad, flattened head., Absence of scales., Adipose fin absent.
- Dorsal fin
- Single, short-based dorsal fin with 1-2 spines and 6-7 soft rays. The spine is strong and serrated.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.
- Pectoral fin
- Large, strong pectoral fins with a serrated spine and 12-13 soft rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are relatively small, located abdominally. Anal fin is long-based with 29-32 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for a robust, elongated body with a silvery-grey to dark grey back and lighter belly. The absence of scales is a key catfish characteristic.
Barbels
Observe the two pairs of barbels; the maxillary pair is notably longer, extending past the eye.
Fins
Note the deeply forked caudal fin and the strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. The absence of an adipose fin is also diagnostic for Pangasiidae.
Head Shape
The head is broad and somewhat flattened, with small, widely spaced eyes.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in deeper sections of large rivers, canals, and estuaries, but also moves into flooded areas during monsoon.
- Environment
- Large rivers, estuaries, and associated floodplains. Prefers turbid, slow-moving to moderately flowing waters with muddy or silty bottoms. Tolerant of slightly brackish conditions.
- Geographic range
- Native to major river systems of South Asia, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Irrawaddy, and Mahanadi rivers in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 1000 gallons (for adults)
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH level: 6.5-7.5
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Due to its large size and semi-aggressive nature, it is best kept in very large, species-specific tanks or with other large, robust fish that can tolerate its presence. Not suitable for typical home aquariums.
- Special requirements: Requires an extremely large aquarium or pond with powerful filtration and ample swimming space. Substrate should be soft to prevent injury to barbels. Hiding spots are appreciated. Prone to stress in inadequate environments.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: vulnerable
- Seasonality: Spawning typically occurs during the monsoon season (June-September) when water levels rise and temperatures are favorable.
- Market price: Varies significantly by region and market, generally moderate.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Flaky, firm, white flesh
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Baking, Curries, Steaming
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, low in fat.
Key Facts
Giant Growthamazing
Pangasius pangasius is one of the largest freshwater catfish species, capable of reaching impressive sizes, making it a significant food fish.
Migratory Spawnerbehavior
This species undertakes upstream migrations during the monsoon season to spawn in flooded areas, highlighting its reliance on natural river dynamics.
Aquaculture Potentialinteresting
Despite its large size, P. pangasius is a popular aquaculture species due to its fast growth and adaptability, though it requires extensive facilities.
Vulnerable Statusinteresting
Overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution have led to a 'Vulnerable' conservation status for wild populations, emphasizing the need for sustainable management.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, the dorsal and pectoral fins possess strong, serrated spines that can inflict painful wounds if handled carelessly. Exercise caution when netting or handling to avoid punctures. Large specimens can also deliver a powerful tail slap.
Similar Species
Iridescent Shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (often sold as 'Pangasius' in markets) has a more compressed body, typically darker coloration, and often two distinct dark stripes along the lateral line in juveniles. Adults of P. hypophthalmus have much shorter maxillary barbels that do not extend beyond the eye, and a more pointed snout. P. pangasius has longer barbels and a broader head.
Sutchi Catfish
Pangasianodon sutchi
Historically, P. hypophthalmus was often misidentified as P. sutchi. The key differentiating features are largely the same as with P. hypophthalmus, primarily the barbels length and head shape. P. pangasius is generally more robust and has longer barbels.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Pangasiidae
- Genus
- Pangasius
- Species
- Pangasius pangasius
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