Giant barb

Giant Barb (Catlocarpio siamensis) is a species of cyprinid fish native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Southeast Asia. It is the largest species of cyprinid in the world. These fish have a gray to silver-gray body, with a white belly.

Description

The Giant Barb can reach up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 300 kilograms. It has a streamlined body with a broad, downturned mouth and a small head. The dorsal fin is short, with a long base and a pointed tip. The pectoral fins are long and pointed, and the pelvic fins are short and rounded. The tail fin is deeply forked.

Habitat and Distribution

The Giant Barb is found in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It inhabits large rivers and associated floodplain lakes, preferring deep pools with slow-moving water.

Diet

The diet of the Giant Barb consists mainly of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and aquatic plants. It is a filter feeder, using its gill rakers to strain tiny food particles from the water.

Conservation Status

The Giant Barb is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore its populations.

Cultural Significance

In Cambodia, the Giant Barb is a national symbol and is featured on the country's currency. It is also an important species in aquaculture, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam, where it is farmed for food.