This is the freshwater fish species of Thailand identification section. Here you will find information about Native freshwater fish species aswell as fish species that have been introduced into Thailands freshwater lakes and fishing parks. There are photos and descriptions of thailands freshwater fish to help you in identification of different species. As the months go by we will endeavour to cover all fish species that live in Thailands fresh waters. you can find information on the more well known freshwater fish of Thailand such as the Catfish, Snakeheads and Carp. There is also information about some of the introduced species and rare species to be found here.
Thailand is the land of the giants and home to some very exotic tropical fish species both small and large. It just so happens that four of the largest freshwater fish on earth are all residents in Thailands lakes and rivers.
The biggest catfish in the catfish family which also happens to be the largest ( record breaking catfish recorded at 293kg) freshwater fish in the world the Giant Mekong Catfish which has a maximum size of 350kg is native to Thailands waters.
The Biggest of the Carp family the Giant Siamese Carp which can grow to 300kg also comes from Thailand along with another contender for the Largest freshwater fish on the planet the Giant Freshwater Stingray which is reported to have a maximum published weight of 600kg.
Last but by no means least the largest freshwater predatory fish in the world ( and another fish that is rumoured to be in the running for the crown of largest freshwater fish in the world) the Mighty Arapaiama Gigas which can grow to over 200kg has been successfully imported from South America into several fishing lakes across the country.
The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) is a big fish. Indeed a very big fish, especially for a freshwater species. But is the Arapaima, or Pirarucu as it is called in South America really the largest freshwater fish in the world, and how big can it actually grow?
The Cobra Snakehead or Great Snakehead is an elusive fish that inhabits waters from Thailand and Cambodia through Burma all the way to India and China. Its known as Cobra Snakehead because of its resemblance to the Cobra. Its name in Thai Plah Chon gnu hauw translated literally means Cobra Snakehead. This fish has become famous because it has been found inhabiting canals in Florida where it is considered vermin because it is not a native species.
The Giant Snakehead is well renown across the world as a sport fish. There have been lots of hype about the more sinister side of this species which probablly are not true. What we do know about the Giant Snakehead is that it is the top predator in its natural habitat and it is a perfectly developed hunter who will defend its young against pretty much allcomers ( including man). Read on if you want to know more about this beautifull fish.
The GiantMekong catfish is the most famous Thai fish species along with the Giant Siamese carp. This member of the Shark catfish family reaches enormous proportions. This native Thai fish species is currently recognised by the Guiness book of records as the Largest freshwater fish species on earth. This is the true king of fish and is recognised and well respected for its immense power and dirty fighting characteristics.
The Tiger Catfish or the Shovel Nose Catfish are found naturally in South American rivers such as the Amazon or the Orinoco. They have been sucesfully introduced into some fishing lakes in Thailand and are considered by most a very beautifull and prized catch. When hooked this fish will stick to the bottom for as long as possible and have you wondering if you caught up with a mini jet powered submarine.
The alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) is the largest member of the gar family, Lepisosteidae, and one of North America's largest inland fish. It is a primitive species, dating from the Mesozoic era: 65 to 230 million years ago.
The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) is a big fish. Indeed a very big fish, especially for a freshwater species. But is the Arapaima, or Pirarucu as it is called in South America really the largest freshwater fish in the world, and how big can it actually grow?
The Cobra Snakehead or Great Snakehead is an elusive fish that inhabits waters from Thailand and Cambodia through Burma all the way to India and China. Its known as Cobra Snakehead because of its resemblance to the Cobra. Its name in Thai Plah Chon gnu hauw translated literally means Cobra Snakehead. This fish has become famous because it has been found inhabiting canals in Florida where it is considered vermin because it is not a native species. 
The Giant Snakehead is well renown across the world as a sport fish. There have been lots of hype about the more sinister side of this species which probablly are not true. What we do know about the Giant Snakehead is that it is the top predator in its natural habitat and it is a perfectly developed hunter who will defend its young against pretty much allcomers ( including man). Read on if you want to know more about this beautifull fish. 
The Giant Mekong catfish is the most famous Thai fish species along with the Giant Siamese carp. This member of the Shark catfish family reaches enormous proportions. This native Thai fish species is currently recognised by the Guiness book of records as the Largest freshwater fish species on earth. This is the true king of fish and is recognised and well respected for its immense power and dirty fighting characteristics. 
The Tiger Catfish or the Shovel Nose Catfish are found naturally in South American rivers such as the Amazon or the Orinoco. They have been sucesfully introduced into some fishing lakes in Thailand and are considered by most a very beautifull and prized catch. When hooked this fish will stick to the bottom for as long as possible and have you wondering if you caught up with a mini jet powered submarine. 
Strange things are afoot in Chiang Rai Thailand. here we have some pictures of a fish with no eyes. could this be a newspecies called Fsh.
THE ALLIGATOR GAR (Lepisosteus spatula).