Fin's Fish Guide
The Kunyit shark catfish (Pangasius kunyit) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pangasiidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The Kunyit shark catfish is a shark catfish (Pangasiidae) from large rivers of Sundaland and the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 1 meter and has a streamlined, laterally compressed, silver-grey body with a broad mouth, barbels and an adipose fin, and swims like a shark in open water. As an omnivore it migrates through rivers in schools and eats fish, crustaceans, fruit, seeds and detritus. It is an extremely important food fish. The stout, serrated dorsal and pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kunyit shark catfish?
The Kunyit shark catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Kunyit shark catfish live?
The Kunyit shark catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam
How big does the Kunyit shark catfish get?
The Kunyit shark catfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Kunyit shark catfish dangerous to humans?
The Kunyit shark catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
Is the Kunyit shark catfish edible?
Yes, the Kunyit shark catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pangasius
More from the family Pangasiidae
Want the complete picture on the Kunyit shark catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kunyit shark catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.