Basa (fish)

Basa is a species of catfish in the family Pangasiidae. Basa are native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Indochina. These fish are important food fish with an international market. They are often labeled in North America and Australia as "basa fish", "swai", or "bocourti". In the UK, the species is known mainly as "river cobbler", with "basa" also being used on occasion. In Europe, these fish are commonly marketed as "pangasius" or "panga".

Taxonomy

Basa fish belong to the Pangasiidae family and are also known by their scientific name, Pangasius bocourti. They are a type of catfish and are native to Southeast Asia.

Habitat

Basa are native to the Mekong River and Chao Phraya River basins in Indochina. They thrive in the river basins of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Commercial Importance

Basa fish are of significant commercial importance and are bred on a large scale in countries such as Vietnam. They are exported globally and are particularly popular in the United States, Australia, and Europe. The fish are often marketed under different names in different regions, such as "basa fish", "swai", or "bocourti" in North America and Australia, and "pangasius" or "panga" in Europe.

Culinary Use

In culinary contexts, basa fish are appreciated for their mild flavor and firm texture. They are often used in dishes that call for white fish, such as fish and chips in the UK. The fillets are usually deep-fried or grilled and served with various sauces and side dishes.

Sustainability

There have been concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of basa fish farming, particularly in the Mekong Delta. These concerns include pollution from fish farms and the use of antibiotics.

See Also

• Catfish
• Pangasiidae
• Mekong River
• Chao Phraya River