Thread: Mekong Giant catfish

Mekong Giant catfish

Pangasianodon gigas

Largest freshwater fish in the world

The Mekong giant catfish can reach a length of three metres and weigh up to 300kg. It is unique to the Mekong River and migrates huge distances to spawn.

It is found in the mainstream of the Lower Mekong in Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It used to be relatively common further north along the Thai-Lao PDR border but is now extremely rare in this area.

Scientists estimate that the total number of Mekong giant catfish have decreased by around 90% in the last decade.

Threats
Threats to the Mekong giant catfish, and several other giant migratory fish species in the Mekong, include infrastructure development such as dams that block migration routes and isolate some populations. Without the ability to move up and down rivers, the fish have fewer opportunities to breed.

Navigation projects have also destroyed critical spawning grounds and over-fishing has led to depleted fish stocks.

More here

Beer Battered Catfish

Ingredients:

3 lb. catfish
1/4cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 12-ounce dark beer
1/4 cup minced onion
3 cups vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

* In a medium mixing bowl blend flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper together.
* In a separate medium mixing bowl beat egg well, add beer and minced onions, mix well.
* Cut the catfish into 2 inch cubes or strips. Heat the vegetable oil. Roll the catfish into the flour mixture, then dip into the beer-egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.
* Place flour and dipped catfish into the deep-fry, cook until golden brown.

Thai Freshwater Fish