Giant Pangasius Care Guide
Pangasius sanitwongsei is a critically endangered Mekong and Chao Phraya giant catfish that grows to about 3 m and is unsuited to home tanks.
Overview
Pangasius sanitwongsei, the giant pangasius, is a shark catfish of the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. It is one of the largest freshwater fishes, reaching a total length of about 300 cm and a weight up to 300 kg. The species name honours M.R. Suwaphan Sanitwong for supporting Thai fisheries development.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pangasiidae
- Genus: Pangasius
- Scientific name: Pangasius sanitwongsei
- Describer: Smith, 1931
Habitat
The species inhabits deep depressions of large rivers across the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, with juveniles in larger tributaries. It is potamodromous and migratory, undertaking seasonal river movements, and FishBase notes facultative air-breathing.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 5000 L
- Temperature: 22–26 °C
- pH: 6–7.5
- GH: 2–15 °dGH
- Adult size: 200–300 cm
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
Diet
Pangasius sanitwongsei is a predator with a high trophic level of about 4.0. Both juveniles and adults feed on fishes and crustaceans, and larger individuals consume animal carcasses. Captive feeding is typically offered once daily.
Compatibility
A benthopelagic, migratory giant. FishBase records it as harmless to humans, but its enormous adult size makes it unsuitable for home aquariums; it belongs only in very large public facilities. Small fishes and shrimp would be eaten.
Breeding
The species is migratory and spawns before the rainy season, in April and May. Young reach about 10 cm by mid-June. It is not bred in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered, assessed 1 March 2007. Threats include over-harvesting, river damming that blocks migration, habitat loss and pollution.