Pangasius sanitwongsei Breeding Guide

The Critically Endangered giant pangasius reaches 3 m and is reproduced only in conservation hatcheries; it cannot be bred in a home aquarium.

Overview

Pangasius sanitwongsei, the giant pangasius, is a large migratory catfish native to the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins in mainland Southeast Asia and southern China. It can reach about 300 cm standard length and a published weight of around 300 kg, making it one of the largest freshwater fishes. It is a benthopelagic, potamodromous predator feeding on fish and crustaceans, with larger individuals also taking carrion. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Critically Endangered, with overharvesting, habitat loss, river damming and pollution among the main threats.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

In the wild this species is potamodromous, migrating upstream to spawn and remaining downstream at other times. Spawning occurs just before the rainy season, reported around April and May, in muddy areas of large rivers. The Khone Falls divides the wild population into separate groups.

Egg & Fry Care

A spawning event releases roughly 600 eggs about 2 to 2.5 mm in diameter, and no parental care is provided. Young grow quickly, reaching about 10 cm by mid-June after a spring spawn. Conservation-focused breeding programmes operate in Thai hatcheries to help support the species.

Common Challenges

Home reproduction is not possible: adult size, migratory spawning behaviour and the volumes of water required are far beyond any aquarium. The species also has very high fishing vulnerability and protected status in parts of its range, so it is appropriate only for large public or conservation facilities.