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Longbarbel pangasius (Pangasius macronema) — Pangasiidae

Longbarbel pangasius

Pangasius macronema
Family: Pangasiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Longbarbel pangasius (Pangasius macronema) is a freshwater fish of the family Pangasiidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The longbarbel pangasius is a shark catfish from Southeast Asia, mainly the Mekong basin. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a fairly deep, silvery, shark-like body with long barbels; the upper barbel reaches the pectoral fin. It forms large schools and migrates seasonally into tributaries and flooded forests. It feeds on molluscs, midge larvae, small fish and prawns, and can breathe air. It is a commercially caught food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longbarbel pangasius?

The Longbarbel pangasius has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Longbarbel pangasius live?

The Longbarbel pangasius lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Longbarbel pangasius get?

The Longbarbel pangasius grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Longbarbel pangasius dangerous to humans?

No, the Longbarbel pangasius is harmless to humans.

Is the Longbarbel pangasius edible?

Yes, the Longbarbel pangasius is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langdraad-haaimeerval verified
English name
Longbarbel pangasius verified
Scientific name
Pangasius macronema
Family
Pangasiidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodem- of netvisserij in rivieren. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pangasius

More from the family Pangasiidae

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