The Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is a rare species of catfish. It is a part of the shark catfish family. It is one of the biggest species of freshwater catfish. It is endemic to the lower half of the Mekong River. Because of overfishing and habitat loss, the fish is now critically endangered. Sometimes, Mekong giant catfish are raised in aquaculture. Today, the fisah are almost exclusively founds in Tonlé Sap lake and Tonle Sap river. It is unknown whether this constitutes one population, or whether there are two distinct ones. The fish is closely related to the Iridescent shark, which is also known as Pangasius.
Mekong giant catfish
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Mekong giant catfish?
A: The Mekong giant catfish is a rare species of catfish, one of the largest freshwater catfish species, and a part of the shark catfish family.
Q: Where is the Mekong giant catfish found?
A: The Mekong giant catfish is endemic to the lower half of the Mekong River, but today is almost exclusively found in Tonlé Sap lake and Tonle Sap river.
Q: What is the conservation status of the Mekong giant catfish?
A: The Mekong giant catfish is critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.
Q: Can the Mekong giant catfish be raised in aquaculture?
A: Yes, sometimes Mekong giant catfish are raised in aquaculture.
Q: What is the relationship between the Mekong giant catfish and the Iridescent shark?
A: The Mekong giant catfish is closely related to the Iridescent shark, which is also known as Pangasius.
Q: How many distinct populations of Mekong giant catfish are there?
A: It is unknown whether there is one population or two distinct ones of the Mekong giant catfish in Tonlé Sap lake and Tonle Sap river.
Q: Are there any threats to the Mekong giant catfish?
A: Yes, overfishing and habitat loss are threats to the survival of the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish.