Netuma thalassina (Rüppell, 1837)
Giant catfish
photo by Shao, K.T.

Family:  Ariidae (Sea catfishes), subfamily: Ariinae
Max. size:  185 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,000.0 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 195 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: known with certainty from the Red Sea and the northwestern Indian Ocean. Also reported from Australia, Polynesia and Japan and rarely in the Mekong delta (Ref. 12693).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  A marine species often found in estuaries, but rarely enters freshwater. Typically euryhaline (Ref. 3876). Reported to occasionally ascend into fresh water (Ref. 12693). Recorded at temperatures ranging from 26-29°C. Feeds mainly on crabs, prawns, mantis shrimps (Squilla species) but also on fishes and mollusks. An important food fish. Marketed mostly fresh; often dried.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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