How to Identify Pangas Catfish

To identify Pangas Catfish (Pangasius pangasius), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the two pairs of barbels; the maxillary pair is notably longer, extending past the eye.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   Head Shape

   The head is broad and somewhat flattened, with small, widely spaced eyes.

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