How big do twig catfish get?

Are Mekong catfish anadromous?

The recent discovery that Mekong catfish are anadromous, (moving from coastal waters into fresh waters to spawn) has surprised even scientist’s long-held notions of freshwater species.

How many fish are in the Mekong River?

Between 2000 and 2003, approximately 10,000 captive-bred fish were released into the Mekong. Captive-bred individuals are no longer released into the Mekong, however they are released into reservoirs in Thailand. Large fish are now caught regularly in some Thai reservoirs but there is no evidence of self-sustaining populations.

How much does the Mekong giant catfish weigh?

Reaching mammoth proportions and possessing immense strength, the Mekong Giant Catfish is the catfish by which all others are judged. Everything you need to know about Thailand’s gentle giant. How does the Mekong Giant Catfish compare to other prized freshwater species around the world? Record – 112 lb 14 oz (51.2 kg)

Where to catch the Mekong giant catfish?

The Mekong giant catfish is the world’s largest freshwater specie, the Fish Thailand venues to target the Mekong giant catfish are Bungsamlan & Shadow Lake, where these incredible fish can be caught all year round.

What’s the biggest fish caught in Vietnam?

The giant fish in Vietnam VietNamNet Bridge – A shark of half of a ton, a 4-ton whale, giant barbs and ocean sunfish are among the “monsters” that were caught in a net in Vietnam. Catching a giant whale shark of 800 kg

How many fish species are there in the Mekong River?

Very high species richness: around 1000 fish species (between 768 and 1200) Main characteristic: migrations – 87% of known species are migratory – ~ 50% of the catch made of long distance migrants A majority of fish species depends on flooded areas for food and reproduction Mekong fish biodiversity Pangasianodon gigas.

What are the characteristics of Mekong fish biodiversity?

Very high species richness: around 1000 fish species (between 768 and 1200) Main characteristic: migrations – 87% of known species are migratory – ~ 50% of the catch made of long distance migrants A majority of fish species depends on flooded areas for food and reproduction Mekong fish biodiversity Pangasianodon gigas. Catlocarpio siamensis

How many songbirds migrate from the Mekong River each year?

Or 100 times the number of songbirds that migrate between Europe and Africa each year. However, the number was certainly much greater in the past, as overfishing, habitat loss, and dam building have taken a heavy toll on fish populations, especially larger fish, in much of the Mekong River system.

How much does a Mekong fish weigh?

Our Mekong range from 90lbs to 300lbs, and once hooked expect a fight of at least 45 minutes! Also our Mekongs were bought up on a diet of pellet, which was unheard of as a bait in most fisheries until we started using them.

Did you know there are catfish in the Mekong River?

A Mekong giant catfish swimming close to the surface in northern Cambodia’s section of the Mekong River. Did you know? Did you know? Like the Irrawaddy dolphin, the Mekong giant catfish symbolizes the ecological integrity of the Mekong River and is one of the Mekong Ecoregion’s flagship species.

Is it illegal to catch giant catfish in Thailand?

It is now illegal in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia to harvest the critically endangered species, though giant catfishes still are illicitly caught, with some sold to restaurants in Vietnam. In Thailand, Mekong giant catfishes have been successfully bred in artificial ponds, but efforts to introduce these fish in the wild have largely failed.

Are your Mekong fish taken from the wild?

We only buy our Mekong from a reputable source such as Mr Toe, and unlike some commercial fisheries none of our fish of any species have been taken from the wild.

What is the difference between channel catfish&SWAI?

Blind tests between Channel Catfish & Swai have shown that the average person prefers Swai. This is probably due to the inherent flavor of Channel Catfish, which many people find to be a little “gamey”, “muddy”, or “dirty” tasting. Of course, Southerner’s would disagree, saying that this unique flavor is what distinguishes catfish from other fish.

Is the Vietnamese catfish a catfish?

Vietnamese catfish is a freshwater fish and not a predator, so mercury is not a concern. At the behest of the catfish farmers, Congress passed a law that only “Channel Catfish” could be called “Catfish” in the United States, preventing some 2000 other species of catfish from being called catfish.

What is the length of the Mekong River?

The Mekong or Mekong River is a trans-boundary river in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s twelfth longest river and the sixth longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,909 km (3,050 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km 2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km 3 (114 cu mi) of water annually.

How many animals live in the Mekong River?

Biota estimates for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) include 20,000 plant species, 430 mammals, 1,200 birds, 800 reptiles and amphibians, and an estimated 850 freshwater fish species (excluding euryhaline species mainly found in salt or brackish water, as well as introduced species ).

How many species are there in the Mekong River?

Only the Amazon boasts a higher level of bio-diversity. Biota estimates for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) include 20,000 plant species, 430 mammals, 1,200 birds, 800 reptiles and amphibians, and an estimated 850 freshwater fish species (excluding euryhaline species mainly found in salt or brackish water, as well as introduced species ).

What is happening to the Mekong River?

Beach-nesting birds and fish are seriously impacted by unseasonable flooding of the Mekong caused by dams and water releases. The decline in the Mekong’s fisheries alone is predicted to cost nearly USD 23 billion by 2040 and poses risks to riparian communities and indigenous peoples who rely on fish for sustenance and livelihoods.

What is the economic value of the Mekong River basin?

Hence, the lower Mekong basin yields about 4.5 million tonnes of fish and aquatic products annually. The total economic value of the fishery is between US$3.9 and US$7 billion a year. Wild capture fisheries alone have been valued at US$2 billion a year.

Is the Mekong catfish on the brink of extinction?

The Mekong giant catfish, which can grow to 660 pounds, is on the brink of extinction in the wild. On a positive note, the report shows that when migratory fish don’t face threats, their populations often increase.

How much is the Mekong River fishery worth?

“The fishery alone in the Mekong River basin has an estimated value of over 10 billion dollars.”

Where can I Go catfish fishing in Thailand?

A day catfish fishing in Bangkok or Chiang mai at a Thai fishing park can produce up to 30 or more catches in a day (average 15-50kg (33lb-11lb)) of the world’s largest catfish the Giant Mekong catfish ( Pangasianodon gigas) and the Striped catfish ( Pangasius hypophthalmus) among other species. Huge Mekong catfish will test any anglers skill.

What baits are used for catfish fishing in Thailand?

Baits used for catfish fishing in Thailand varies. Predatory catfish like the Chao phraya catfish ( Pangasius santiwongsei) and the Thai red tail catfish ( Hemibargus wyckioides) can be caught using live or dead fish baits aswell as lures and large streamer saltwater style flies.