 Forget about France and the big carp that can be caught there. Thailand is the land of the Giants and can not be matched by any other country in the world. The largest Carp Species in the world the Siamese giant carp Catlocarpio siamensis (pla Caho) is a native here and reaches gigantic proportions. These monster fish will test any anglers skills.
Most species of carp are known for their hard fight so imagine battling a fish that was heavier than Arnold Schwarzenegger.Oh yes, it can be done fishing in Thailand the Land of Smiles .
Giant Siamese carp Catlocarpio siamensis. (Pla Caho).
Other Names: Giant Barb, Mother of all carp.
Thailand status: Native Diet: Phytoplankton, Algae, Terrestrial fruits, Aquatic plants, Worms, Insects, Prawns, Shrimps, Crabs.
Habitat: Freshwater.
Description: The Siamese giant carp is the largest carp species in the world and found in Thailand's waters and along the Mekong river through cambodia down to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The biggest ever recorded fish was reportedly 300kg (660 lb) and caught in Thailand, in the wild with a net. This was however in times gone by when the environment was slightly different and the species may not have been under the same pressures as today from Dam building, loss of Habitat and over fishing.
The Giant barb has very large Dark Silver Grey/ Black scales with Light Grey/ Dark blue/ Dark green edges. A very large mouth with Pink/Skin coloured lips. It does not have any barbels.
Pla Caho are regularlly caught in many of Thailand's fishing parks that weigh over 30KG+ (90lbs) and on a good day if the conditions are right and you are blessed with that somthing special a 100kg ( 220lbs) would be a fine catch and surely somthing to remember for the rest of your life.
This is the mother of all carp species and its fighting power is imense, like other carp species it will fight right up to the net and constantly try to go on powerfull runs to find underwater snags to take cover.
In its native habitat the Siamese giant carp feeds on most things like vegetation, worms, crustations and insects. Like most barb fish species it will move around the river bed hoovering up food with its gigantic mouth. Its favoured conditions would be deep, weedy, slow moving or still waters.
Catlocarpio siamensis is becoming increasingly rare in the wild just like the Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas which is on the critically endangered list aswell as the Julliens golden price carp Probarbus Jullieni which can grow to 1 meter in length and over 30kg.
Siamese Giant Carp can be bred in captivity but they require 7 years before they are sexually mature, If this is the same as in the wild then they are surely very susceptible to over fishing.
If you are interested in more info or have any questions dont hesitate to email info@megafishingthailand.com we are always happy to hear from you..!!
If you would like more information on these endangered species and how you can help the Mega fishes project click here.
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