Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. [4] [5] Attaining a length of up to 3 m (9.8 ft), the Mekong giant catfish grows extremely quickly, reaching a mass of 150 to 200 kg (330 to 440 lb) in only six years. Best of Category winner at ICAST 2022. They feed upon algae and plants in the river. Any <5 MP 8 MP 15 MP 20+ MP. For many people, this kind of adventure may seem exotic and unreachable, but I share my story to showcase the opportunities for anglers who want to up the ante. Goonch catfish have reportedly been known to eat corpses from funeral pyres on the Kali River, which runs between Nepal and India. [9][10][11]\r\rGrey to white in colour and lacking stripes, the Mekong giant catfish is distinguished by the near-total lack of barbels and the absence of teeth. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! The Mekong giant catfish perhaps won't be the ideal pet. The giant Mekong catfish looks more sorrowful than cute. Syd Ribes with Sea Falcon highlights four new lures for saltwater fishing. When . A: Incidents of catfish attacking humans are extremely rare and do not pose a danger. Giant Mekong Catfish has one of the fastest growth rates of any fish and can reach a weight of 200kg/ 440 lb in 5 years and can grow to a length of up to 3m / 10ft and can weigh upwards to 350kg / 770 lbs which makes it on of the heaviest freshwater fish in the world. Like a gun shot at the start of a race, there is simply no time to ponder a game-plan, no build up to a big fight it is abruptly "game on!". This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, Fun Lake Tebera Rainbowfish Facts For Kids, Fun Oriental Flying Gurnard Facts For Kids. Previous genetic investigations of the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1913) and striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878) provided discordant results. I arrived at Bungsamran Lake, operated by Fish Thailand, near Bangkok early in the morning. Attaining an unconfirmed length of 3 m, the Mekong giant catfish grows extremely quickly, reaching a mass of 150 to 200 kg in only six years. [8] The opportunityto fish for such a rare species and the largest, most uniquecatfish in the world is an adventure that I live over and over in my mind. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. National Geographic 20.4M subscribers One of the largest fish in the world, the Mekong giant catfish grows to 10 feet and 650 pounds. Photo courtesy of David Peters. This provides anglers a rare opportunity to legally fish for Mekong catfish. What sets them apart from other catfish, is the absence of whiskers in this species. The exact communication process of the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is not known. fisherman with mekong catfish - mekong giant catfish stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Cambodian fishery officials examine the carcas of a giant catfish at the Department of Fisheries in Phnom Penh on November 15, 2011. The sheer physical and mental stamina required to wrestle this kind of power for hours is extreme. During the start of the rainy season, the fish gather together and then head upstream to spawn. These enormous fish are the largest purely freshwater fish in the world (Sturgeon are larger, but they inhabit both fresh and saltwater). Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Size. Biggest Mekong Giant Catfish caught by rod and reel, 117.933 kg (260lb), caught in Gillhams Fishing Resorts,Thaiand. With Game & Fish's Adam Heggenstaller. Physical Description: The most marked feature of this fish is its remarkable size. Covered in fish slime and drenched in sweat, I examine the tally in my soaked notebook at the end of the day. The record for the largest Goonch ever caught belongs to Jakub Vgner, the host of National Geographic's Fish Warrior. Vgner's Goonch was 165 pounds 5 ounces (75 kilograms) and over 5 feet (1.57 meters) long. Q: How big is the Mekong giant catfish? There are no specific names for the male and female species of the giant catfish. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. monkeys, cats, dogs, birds, and other catfish have been found in their stomachs. Many specimens on record measure more than 8 feet long and exceed 220 pounds. An entire day of fishing at Bungsamran Lake through Fish Thailand costs $236 a day for one angler or $190 each for two anglers. The Mekong giant catfish is a behemoth. Found in the Mekong basin, the migratory fish is extremely specific about the environmental conditions. Habitat: Freshwater. Exclude. AFTCO's Matt Florentino highlights the features of the new Barricade cold-weather suit, a Best of Category winner at ICAST 2022 in Orlando. While Paulies record was verified by the the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and has been standing for over 20 years, many people have questioned the legitimacy of Paulies catch. Your privacy is important to us. By: Teresa Taylor. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Browse 196 mekong catfish stock photos and images available, or search for mekong giant catfish to find more great stock photos and pictures. The current population size is unknown. Experts say the fish, a Mekong giant catfish, was around 170 years old and never seen in this part of the world. Found in the Mekong River, the Mekong giant catfish does not really possess any danger to human beings. As I pull in one fish after another at 40 pounds, 55 pounds, 68 pounds, 74 pounds, then 80 pounds, I can see why. Experts say the fish, a Mekong giant catfish, was around 170 years old and . The National Geographic emerging explorer, Zeb Hogan, is also lending a hand to save the largest catfish species in the world and symbolizes the health and integrity of the Mekong River. I stand on the edge of the open, wooden platform and realize the only thing keeping me from being pulled into the water is my fight. File: Giant Mekong Catfish (15657304782).jpg. However, they travel great distances to spawn. Fernandes redtail catfish was 123 pounds 7 ounces (56 kilograms) and 4.62 feet (1.408 meters) long. On this trip we will bring you to Venuses, where each of our guests has been able to catch Giant Mekong Catfish from 130lbs up to 350 lbs. Mekong giant catfish aquarium in Phuket (Aquaria Phuket, a giant aquarium in Central Phuket Floresta shopping mall).The Mekong giant catfish is one of the la. The innovative landing net will weigh and measure your catch while it's still in the net. They are also putting efforts into restoring the fish population in freshwater rivers, including the Mekong River. Mekong Giant Catfish. Back in 2005, this fish held a record in the Guinness World Records, as the largest freshwater fish in the world. The catfish weighed in at 736 lbs. Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week. The species' population size is estimated to have decreased by 99% in recent decades most likely due to overfishing for food. Preferred Water Parameters They can be very large - up to 10 ft long and with a weight of up to 660 pounds. However, as they grow up, the toothless creature becomes completely herbivorous. Native to the Mekong, it is critically endangered. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Giant Mekong Catfish - Information about Giant Mekong Catfish. He gave this description referring to fish even at a young age. A fluke darting just beneath the surface can be too much for a bass to resist. Attaining an unconfirmed length of 3 m, the Mekong giant catfish grows extremely quickly, reaching a mass of 150 to 200 kg in only six years. One of the largest fish in the world, the Mekong giant catfish grows to 10 feet (3 meters). Their enormous great and white girths remind me of the Hindenburg blimp They are slow moving, but graceful and powerful with the kind of confidence that can intimidate even the most seasoned angler. They estimate that the wild population decreased 80 percent between 1990 and 2003, resulting in scarce opportunities for people to fish for them, or even see them. Mekong giant catfish remains poorly understood and highly vulnerable to a wide range of ongoing threats. A Mekong giant catfish can grow up to 118.1 in (300 cm) in length. After I returned home, I learned that I set a female record at Bungsarmran Lake for the most Mekong catfish caught at these sizes in the 10 years it has been in operation. 2021 WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature 1986 Panda Symbol WWF World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund) WWF is a WWF Registered Trademark Creative Commons license. In 2005 a man caught a Mekong catfish of 9 feet, weighing 646 pounds, taking the world record for the biggest . Mekong Goonch Catfish (Bagarius cf. 1986 Panda Symbol WWF World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund), Spatial Planning and Private Sector Engagement. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Mekong Giant Catfish Facts and Information Pangasianodon gigas Introduction to Mekong Giant Catfish The Mekong Giant Catfish is often mistaken for a type of shark in the water. Conservation efforts are currently underway to gain critical data on catfish distribution, migration, and spawning, to better manage catfish protected areas, as well as to reduce fishing pressure on giant catfish and raise public and media awareness. My adrenaline is off the charts, my muscles shake and I can hardly keep the sweat out of my eyes from the 110 degree Thailand heat. The shot of adrenaline I got every time I saw my rod bend nearly end to end is akin to an addict's fix. You can imagine that the record sizes only represent the science we know, but the mysteries of the deep prevent us from truly grasping the potential of this enormous fish, which is estimated to grow much larger. The people from the nearby villagers didn't let the fish go to waste and ended up eating it. Mekong Giant Catfish Pangasianodon gigas Thai name: Pla Buek () Max size: 660lb (300 kg) Background of the Mekong Giant Catfish It is a huge, critically endangered species of catfish (order Siluriformes) from the shark catfish family ( Pangasiidae ). In 2005, the Mekong giant catfish attained the Guinness World Record ' for the world's largest freshwater fish. This species is commercially important as a food fish and is also farmed. Overall, catfish are some of the most abundant species of fish in the world. Search from Mekong Giant Catfish stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. There are three models in SPRO's Outsider crankbait series: 55 (runs 3-4 feet), 60 (7-9) and 80 (19-21). Thai Fisheries officials stripped the fish of its eggs as part of a breeding programme, intending then to release it, but the fish died in captivity and was sold as food to local villagers. Experts believe that this monster Mekong giant catfish is not only the largest catfish ever caught in the world, but the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. The Catfish: World Record Catch Mekong Catfish. According to IUCN the species of Mekong giant catfish, living in the Mekong river, is Critically Endangered. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The largest catfish ever caught, according to The Guiness Book of World Records, was a Mekong giant catfish that weighed 646 pounds. The largest known giant Mekong catfish netted from the Mekong River in Thailand in 2005, with 2.7m (8.86ft) in lenght and weight up to 293kg (646 lb), this female is by far the largest exclusively freshwater fish ever . Mekong giant catfish is rare and endangered. Experts believe that this monster Mekong giant catfish is not only the largest catfish ever caught in the world, but the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. Living in the Mekong river, the young Mekong giant catfish feed upon zooplankton. "At 100 pounds, a Mekong catfish will bend a 50 pound class boat and rod to the butt and strip line as if not even hooked," says Eddie Mounce, Managing Director of Fish Thailand. She's good at writing about sports and sporting heroes. In captivity, redtail catfish eat assorted worms, frozen foods, sinking catfish pellets, and dry foods. Population size: Evidence suggests that populations of Mekong giant catfish have been declining throughout the basin for the last several decades (Pavie 1904, Giles 1935, Smith 1945, Hogan et al. Photo courtesy of David Peters. Dr. Hogan, an ecologist, has spent more than 20 years researching this fish. The stingray was snagged by a local fisherman south . yarrelli) Origin: Wild Southeast Asia Locale: Middle Mekong Diet: Predator and fish eater Adult Size: 36 Recommended Tank Size: 300 gallon , ideally a large indoor pond Compatibility: Predatory and also likely to be aggressive towards most tankmates. Despite their behemoth size, many of the largest freshwater fish species are critically endangered, meaning there are few of them left to find. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. It is considered to be the largest freshwater fish in the world. It implies that there is a high chance for the species to go extinct. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Contributor. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. In addition to weighing nearly 650 pounds, this Mekong giant catfish was 9 feet (2.7 meters) long. How much does a Mekong giant catfish weigh? They even show cannibalistic traits at times. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. My dough ball bait is the size of a baseball, so I know the predator taking it is likely the size of me. giant catfish in Thailand. Mekong giant catfish Scientific Name: P. gigas Type: Fish Diet: Herbivore Size: up to 10 feet Weight: up to 646 pounds IUCN Red List Status: Critically endangered LC NT VU EN CR EW EX Least. The rare Mekong giant catfish, a rare species to begin with, is nearly extinct in the wild. It is speculated that this has allowed the Goonch to grow so large and develop a taste for human flesh. Paulie was using a light tackle while he was crappie fishing and the flathead was a lucky catch. Keywords (separated by comma) . ParaCrawl Corpus. Blue catfish were intentionally introduced into rivers in Virginia in the 1970s, but have now become an invasive species that grows and breeds rapidly. It is the largest fish ever recorded since Thailand began keeping records in 1981. giant catfish in freshwater Thailand. With Game & Fish's Adam Heggenstaller. The spawning season starts with the arrival of the monsoon. Although the exact number is unknown, scientists estimate that only a few hundred of these fish are alive worldwide. The 8.9 foot long Mekong giant catfish was the heaviest recorded fish since Thailand started keeping records in 1981. . Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Although the exact migration routes are unknown, scientists believe that this Critically Endangered species of catfish spends a majority of its time at the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, before moving towards the spawning grounds in northern Thailand. According to a news report, Fernandes has over 100 IGFA world fishing records. The previous record for a freshwater fish was a 293-kilogram (646-pound) Mekong giant catfish, discovered in Thailand in 2005, the group said. [28] Usually you will be into a catfish within 15 minutes more likely only 5 minutes and regularly just the first cast. Catfish without whiskers Catfish are named for the whisker-like barbels around their mouth. [3] Give a Gift Back in 2005, a colossal Mekong Giant Catfish was hauled out in northern Thailand; it was the size of a car - 2.7m long and weighed 293kg. The largest specimen ever caught was 9 feet in length and weight 646 lbs. Learn more about some other fishes including the channel catfish and the blue catfish. This is one fish story that does not need any exaggeration. One of the main reasons for migration is that they are very particular about the condition of their environment. The scientists therefore collected water samples at deep pools during . When she reaches puberty, her length at that time can become very large to the point that it may exceed two meters. My guide Alley and I here fighting the giant Mekong. This struggle lasts for 25 minutes before I finally land the 75-pound fish. Size: Length: 3m Weight: 300kg Habitat and Ecology The Mekong giant catfish is the largest freshwater fish and is endemic to the Mekong River. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Wels Catfish. The record for the largest flathead catfish belongs to Ken Paulie, who landed his big flathead over 20 years ago. This large blue catfish weighed in at 143 pounds (64.86 kilograms) and was 4.75 feet (1.45 meters) long. This isn't the only change that comes with age. Fishers in northern Thailand netted this huge catfish in the Mekong River on May 1. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. CANCEL APPLY. These giant catfish live in the dusky waters of the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. In the same period, it weighed approximately 200 kg. Scientists claim that over the last decade, there has been a sharp decline in their population and that it has decreased by 90%. But in what's got to be the growth spurt to end all growth spurts, Mekong giant catfish hatchlings (called fry) that have been bred in captivity have averaged a 400 percent growth rate in a mere 4 months. It is a freshwater sh, and has not been caught in the brackish water estuary of the Mekong River. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. It was 9-feet long and 646 pounds. They can grow twice as big as a Chinese alligator in length. Then there is the Giant Barb, which - as its name suggests - is the biggest barb around. More precisely, the Mekong basin. This specimen, caught in 2005, is widely recognized as the largest freshwater fish ever caught (although sturgeon can far exceed this size, they can be anadromous). The world record for the biggest catfish ever caught was a flathead catfish called a Mekong catfish. However, this photograph and story were just . Mekong Giant Catfish In fact, it can be said that these giant catfish have completely different morphological features from any other common fish. Photo courtesy of David Peters. Anderson wanted to keep his blue catfish alive so that it could be put in a tank at a local Bass Pro Shops retail store. It took over an hour for the Thai fishermen to reel in the heavy catfish. This species belongs to the shark catfish family and are known for their extraordinary size. There has been a rapid decline in their number throughout the last decade. The safety harness around my waist allowed me to bury the rod in a secure position during hard runs. Sadly, the population of this species is decreasing rapidly. Gallery. Fish over 400 lbs. Mekong giant catfish are commonly cited as having a maximum size of 3 meters and 300 kilograms (approximately 10 feet and 660 pounds). Many fishing experts believe that this behemoth Mekong River catfish was not only the largest catfish that had ever been caught but was also the largest freshwater fish recorded. [8] The largest catch recorded in Thailand since record-keeping began in 1981 was a female measuring 2.7 m (roughly 9 feet) in length and weighing 293 kg (646 lb). A slight glimpse of the brute strength of the mighty Mekong catfish. Few fishermen know how or where to fish for the rare colossal beast, and even fewer can withstand the physical punishment should they dare to try. Moumita has worked with many soccer teams and produced match reports, and sports is her primary passion. In 2005, a behemoth Mekong giant catfish, weighing in at a scale-tipping 646 pounds (293 kilograms) was caught in a remote village in Thailand near the Mekong River. Current Regulations Must be Observed. Although their exact migration routes are unknown, scientists believe that they spend quite some time in the Tonle Sap Lake situated in Cambodia, before moving towards the spawning grounds in northern Thailand. Trying to track down this elusive giant in an expansive setting like the Mekong River Basin is a daunting task, coupled with the fact that many traditional fish sampling . Those catfish that do survive to adulthood have an astounding growth rate becoming nearly that large in just a short five or six years. No one knows for sure which freshwater species grows to be the largest . IUCN: Critically Endangered; CITES: Appendix I, Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature. Nearly nine feet long (2.7 meters) and as big as a grizzly bear, the behemoth tipped the scales at 646 pounds. The Mekong giant catfish belongs to the Actinopterygii class of animals. 2022 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Trust me, you will need it. Depending on the species, catfish can range in size from 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) to hundreds of pounds, like the behemoths on this list. My guide Alley, who barley speaks English, screams with enthusiasm, "Strong woman, strong woman!" When you're on the search for bass that have moved into deeper water off the bank and away from obvious holding spots, a swimbait can locate them. Scientific name: Pangasianodon gigas. [3] It can reportedly weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb). The Goonch Catfish ( Bagarius yarelli) in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh has been reported eating humans. Dam construction projects, habitat destruction, navigation projects, overfishing, and pollution are believed to be the main reason for their decreasing population. Food Will Be Available from 10 am - 2 pm, with drinks available all day. However, the Thai ministry is taking a closer look into the matter. . It was the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. Largest on record: 8 feet, 10 inches | 646 pounds. This trend may continue, especially with future dam projects threatening to block catfish migration routes as well as destruction of rapids and critical spawning habitat. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, However, despite his best efforts, his record blue catfish died. Mekong giant catfish have been confirmed as anadromous also. Syd Ribes highlights two new saltwater lures from SPRO: Flutter Tail Shrimp and Cannon Ball Jig. In any case, they are an endangered species and shouldn't be kept as pets. The main threats behind their decreasing population are said to be the construction of dams, habitat destruction, navigation projects, overfishing, and pollution. The villagers had hoped to sell the fish to environmental groups, which planned to release it to spawn upriver, but it died before it could be handed over. The catfish was later sold in pieces to villagers to be eaten. Their low sets of eyes give them a very sorrowful look. A: Mekong catfish can grow to be 3 meters long and can weigh up to 200 kg. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is endemic to the Mekong Basin and formerly inhabited long stretches of the Mekong River from southern Cambodia through Thailand to northern Lao PDR. Good things come to those who wait. In an instant, my rod bends nearly in half. The worlds largest redtail catfish was captured in 2010 by Gilberto Fernandes in Brazils Amazon River. In addition to weighing nearly 650 pounds, this Mekong giant catfish was 9 feet (2.7 meters) long. In fact, the Piraiba is the largest of the catfish species found in the Amazon. Three-time ICAST Best of Category winner Bubba covers it all with new knives set. Rig it and fish it according to water conditions and cover to make this great bait even more effective. mekong giant catfish. Currently, only a few hundred individual Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) are present in the entire world. Not much is known about this species' status in the Mekong River's central section where WWF's work is centered, and more research is needed to develop an effective species management plan. While the exact population size is unknown, there could be as few as a couple of hundred adult Mekong giant catfish fish left. 2001, Hartmann et al. This does not influence our choices. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Eddie even warns anglers on his website that they likely will not last all day fishing at Bungsamran Lake. Native to Southeast Asia, it lurks in the waters of the Lower Mekong River Basin and has a life span of nearly 60 years. It is native to China and the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. It is grey to white in colour and is distinguished by the near-total lack of barbels and the absence of teeth. Paulies flathead catfish was frozen for many years before it was presented to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism in 2016 for further examination. The world's largest catfish, the Mekong giant catfish, gets its name from its most common habitat - the Mekong river. The Mekong giant catfish is thought to be the largest freshwater fish in the world. According to him, this fish symbolizes the health and integrity of the Mekong River. So rare that it is nearly a legend of the Mekong River's depths, the Giant Catfish belongs to the shark catfish family and reach more than 600 pounds and some 10 feet in length. | Other resolutions: 320 213 pixels . To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Fishermen sometimes still capture Mekong giant catfish in the Cambodian section of the Mekong River. The wels catfish is the largest true freshwater fish in Europe and also captured by Jermy Wade in River Monster . Then check out the catfish and the Cory catfish. In an interview, Vgner said that he is sill after the world record Goliath Tiger Fish of the Kongo river. creative tips and more. When the fish abruptly changes direction, he aggressively jerks my entire body like a dog mauling a chew toy. Common name: Giant Mekong catfish Thai name: Plah Beuk ( ) Thailand status: Native. The Mekong giant catfish ( Pangasianodon gigas) is intriguing of its breathtaking size and power. Wels Catfish is second large species of catfish, found in the basins of the Caspian Sea in eastern Europe. Sort by: Most popular. One of the best imitations of a wounded baitfish is the soft-plastic jerkbait, or fluke. As the fish grow up, interesting changes take place in their intrinsic characteristics. Its scientific name is Pangasianodon gigas. The biggest one ever caught and measured was in Thailand in 2005. Piraiba are so large that monkeys, cats, dogs, birds, and other catfish have been found in their stomachs. Such is the case of the Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas), the world's largest freshwater fish, which can grow up to nearly 10 feet long and weigh 650 pounds. They travel to Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos PDR. The known habitat of this species is Living in the Mekong river, they are believed to be the world's largest freshwater fish. One good thing is that researchers know some of the fish's life history. The weight of a Mekong giant catfish can go up to 646 lb (293 kg). Although Ferrari's catch is impressive, unfortunately he was just shy of the world record for a Wels catfish catch, which weighed 297 pounds 9 ounces (134.97 kilograms). It took Ferrari 40 minutes to catch the Wels catfish and he decided to release the fish back into the water so he could be caught again in the future. image: Lynn Chan | Flickr | CC BY 2.0. My heartbeat raced with anticipation. In 2015, an Italian fisherman named Dino Ferrari was featured in international news for capturing a monster Wels catfish in the Po Delta. Professional bass angler Jonathan Kelley highlights the features of SPRO's new lures at ICAST 2022 in Orlando. The Albino Giant Gourami is a species of large gourami native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia, with its occurrence in other locations due to introductions. If you really want to catch a gigas mekong catfish, we recommend booking a multi-day fishing trip. The average swimming speed of the Mekong giant catfish is not known. [8] The largest catch recorded in Thailand since. By noon, I was getting tired; by 2 p.m. my muscles were tearing and shaking; by 4 p.m. my lower back was nearly immobile and wrenched forward; and by 6 p.m. not a fiber in my body could hold out any longer. The toothless species of fish is mostly grey-white in color. Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, It's Tick Season. This giant South American catfish was also over 6.5 feet (2 meters) long. The Mekong giant catfish is the largest freshwater fish. Stout rods and reels are used during battle here and as you can see, are being put to the test. Just as the name suggests, the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is the largest freshwater fish. Here's What You Need to Know, DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources, SPRO's New Outsider Crankbait Series: First Look, New Essential Series Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits from SPRO, New from AFTCO: Barricade Cold Weather Tactical Gear, Award-Winning Frabill Witness Net 'Keeps You Honest'. The adults live in deep waters, as compared to the young members of the species. If you have an image of a Mekong Giant Catfish, please let us know at [emailprotected]. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. This is the largest giant Mekong catfish caught since Thai officials started keeping records in 1981. Fish on! Thus, both are called Mekong giant catfish. Here anglers and equipment are challenged! The Mekong giant catfish has low-set eyes, are silvery to dark gray in color on top and white underneath, and are toothless. And, to think this one it just a baby! From Contributor (separated by comma) within editors' choice. Max size: 350kg (771lb) Diet: Phytoplankton, Algae, Terrestrial plants, Insects. More. Among the . Although they are endemic to the Mekong River, they migrate great distances during the breeding season. I do recommend staying an extra day to recover. Ideally fishing should be pre-booked by contacting us by email, social media or calling 0811554336 (English . Everybody has heard of the new Mekong giant catfish world record caught recently from a lake The two largest catfish in the United States are the Flathead Catfish and the Blue Catfish. Read our Sponsorship & Advertising Policy. The government of Thailand, along with the fishing community, are making efforts to bring positive changes. As adults, they feed upon algae and plants in the river. Current threats to the Mekong giant catfish include . You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Just a month before he made his record redtail catfish catch, Fernandes caught another redtail that was 113 pounds 8 ounces (51.5 kilograms). It is not exactly known whether the giant catfish lives in school or on their own, but these fish migrate in schools to spawn. Day rates include a guide, bait, lunch, bungalow and tackle. The Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is intriguing of its breathtaking size and power. Iset out on a quest to find the subject of impressive fables told by elder fishermen and tribesmen who live along the Mekong River that stretches 2,700 miles through Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Moumita is a multilingual content writer and editor. My home away from home while on my journey for the Mekong. Caught by a villager from Thailand, the record-setting catfish was 9 feet long. Once there, the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar makes everything else affordable compared to lodging, food and transportation rates in the U.S. While their back is mostly grey, their abdomen is white. They can grow twice as big as a Chinese alligator in length. Along with the fishing community, the Thai government is trying to restore the fish in the Mekong River. Q: Can a catfish attack me? It requires large stretches of rivers to venture on their journey to spawn. Things like the construction of dams, habitat destruction, navigation projects, overfishing, and pollution are believed to be the main reason behind the sharp population decline of the species. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the growth potential of the Mekong giant catfish is off the charts. All Rights Reserved. Here, we sequenced mitochondrial (mt) DNA of the cytochrome B region, and a control region, to characterize the genetic variation of P. gigas, P. hypophthalmus, and hybrids of these two species. A member of the shark catfish family which reaches . Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 2008). The Mekong catfish, with its titanic, solid body, drags me and the rod like a bus driving away as I try to hold on, refusing to succumb to defeat. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Catfish is the largest freshwater fish and they range greatly in size. Thai fishermen netted a catfish as big as a grizzly bear, setting a world record for freshwater fish, according to researchers who studied the 646-pound Mekong giant catfish for a project to . Jump to navigation Jump to search. Thus, similar to any other species of young fish, baby Mekong giant catfish are called fry. Photo courtesy of David Peters. A rate of population decline of over 80% can be estimated from combining annual catch data over the last thirteen years in the Mekong River Basin area: From Thailand, there were 428 fish landed between 1983 and 2009. *Please note that this image is of a Paroon Shark Catfish that belongs to the same family as the Mekong Giant Catfish. Bungalows nestled in the heart of Thailand. Updated on: August 30, 2022. Within 20 minutes, I have my first bite. Mysterious MEKONG; Imperiled Giant Fish and Mainstream Dams in the Lower Mekong Basin: Assessment of Current Status, Threats, and Mitigation; Mekong Giant Catfish Size; Catchculturevol10-No.1.2-Lao.Pdf; Mekong Giant Catfish Report English Pdf 1.18 MB; Cambodia's Fisheries: Adecade of Changes and Evolution; Title a Review of the Mekong Giant . From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. Present in specific parts of southeast Asia, especially in the Mekong River, the Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is the largest freshwater fish in the world. Fishing of this species has also been made illegal. The weight of a Mekong giant catfish can go up to 646 lb (293 kg). Check your inbox for your latest news from us. The giant fish was nearly nine feet long (close to three meters) and weighed in at a whopping 646 pounds (almost 300 kg). This is why fishing for it is illegal in most Southeast Asian countries. The bleeding ink reveals an incredible 25 Giant Mekong catfish, tipping the scales at more than a half ton that I fought with my bare hands. These records pale in comparison to a giant Mekong catfish caught in northern Thailand on 1 May 2005 and reported to the press almost 2 months later that weighed 293 kilograms (646 lb). Saving up to experience a rare pursuit like this one is worth every penny. The giant catfish of Mekong river is a critically endangered species and biggest freshwater fish in the world. These records pale in comparison to a Mekong giant catfish caught in northern Thailand on 1 May 2005, and reported to the press almost 2 months later, that weighed 293 kilograms (646 lb). The current world record for largest catfish is a 646 pound, nine foot long Mekong Giant Catfish. are possible! Could these numbers be right? Customers are welcome to bring their own bait and additional "Luum" ground bait can be purchased at 300 Baht per 3 kilos. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. I came here to catch just one Mekong catfish. It is the subject of myths and defines unmeasurable strength a monster that lurks in the brackish waters of the Mekong Delta in Southeast Asia. File; File history; File usage on Commons; File usage on other wikis; Metadata; Size of this preview: 800 533 pixels. There is no specific name for the baby Mekong giant catfish. The . At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Can you imagine a catfish with such strength that it can reduce even the most testosterone-filled fisherman to a fragile stupor after just one fight? The record blue catfish was caught in 2011 in Kerr Lake, Virginia by a man named Richard Nicholas Anderson. The catfish weighed in at 736 lbs. As of the time of this writing the records are accurate. A Mekong giant catfish can grow up to 118.1 in (300 cm) in length. Compared to the weight of the Chinese alligator, it can grow almost six times heavier. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Endemic to the Mekong basin, this species of giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is among the critically Critically Endangered (according to IUCN red list) species. Setting the hook feels like snagging a brick wall as the fish pulls me with magnificent force. "At 100 pounds, a Mekong catfish will bend a 50 pound class boat and rod to the butt and strip line as if not even hooked," says Eddie Mounce, Managing Director of Fish Thailand. Lifespan: 60 years. The Mekong giant catfish is rare and endangered and the one caught in 2005 was the largest ever caught since Thailand began keeping records in 1981. over 3,000 species of catfish around the world, catfish can range in size from 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) to hundreds of pounds, people have questioned the legitimacy of Paulies catch, presented to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism in 2016 for further examination, Fernandes has over 100 IGFA world fishing records, Goonch catfish have reportedly been known to eat corpses, Piraiba is the largest of the catfish species found in the Amazon. The Critically Endangered, largest freshwater fish in the world, living in the Mekong river, has a life expectancy of 60 years. He gave this description referring to fish even at a young age. Scene in paintings include giant Mekong catfish, elephants. This variant has red eyes making them a true albino. Mekong giant catfish are known to seek refuge in deep pools in the river during the dry season when the water level is lower. The average swimming speed of the Mekong giant catfish is not known. Photo courtesy of David Peters. TARGET SPECIES: Main target is Giant Mekong catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) (the largest catfish and world biggest freshwater fish) and Striped catfish (Panisius hypopthalmus). The Mekong River Catfish migrate long distances each year in search of specific environments in which to spawn and reproduce. Everyone is riled up, the commotion is defining, water is splashing me from the impressive force of the fish rising to surface and the battle of wills was intense. WikiMatrix. According to the study, the Xayaburi dam on the Mekong mainstem in northern Laos would prove an impassable barrier for the migratory giant catfish - which are capable of reaching up to three metres in length and . The ideal weight for United States farm-raised catfish is 1.7 pounds; it yields 2 (4 to 6-ounce . There really isnt any more details about Fernandes catch, but he did use a fiberglass Sportex rod to land the redtail catfish. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. The largest catfish ever reeled in was the massive Mekong giant catfish, which was caught near a remote village in Thailand back in 2005. Needless to say that the spawning season is also the migration season of these fish. The giant catfish was nearly nine feet long and weighed in at an insane 646 pounds. Sometimes you have to fish a bait that allows you to cover a lot of water efficiently. Researchers determined that the record flathead catfish was at least 22 years old, grew very rapidly, and was most likely a male. Find high-quality stock photos that you won't find anywhere else. 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