In this picture this Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasius gigas) came in at 9 feet long and 646 ponds. This Mekong giant catfish is one of the largest fish in many parts of the world. The fish can often grow up to 10 feet and 650 pounds as seen in this picture being held by two Asian men. Despite its
large size, it is a very gentle giant that survives on a diet of mostly underwater plant substance matter and
green algae.
This fish in the photo was caught by these two Asian men, in 2005, in an area where the species is considered endangered. The fish's endangerment has worried many people in Asia and surrounding area for years. To combat this problem the Department of Fisheries take eggs and sperm from the fish where they breed new fish to keep the species alive and kicking for longer.
The Mekong catfish mostly lives along the Mekong River in China. The river runs southward into areas of Southeast Asia. The huge catfish can also be found as far south as Thailand and Cambodia where it is also named Pla, Buk. Pla Buk meaning is "huge fish". The current record is around 10ft long and 660lbs in weight which is slightly bigger then the picture featured above.
Looking into the Mekong River in China where the Mekong Giant Catfish lives, the waters are very dark and murky, much to the fishes natural likings. Catfish naturally grow big as seen in the picture of the main Catfish found in America. This catfish has whiskers wish the Mekong Catfish has none but is considered a Catfish because of is similarities as the other types of catfish in it's large growing family.
