Basa
A freshwater catfish from Southeast Asia sold globally as a cheap white fish.
Basa is a stout catfish native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers. It is farmed extensively for food and faces trade disputes over naming and farming practices.
- Native to Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers.
- Can grow up to 120 cm in length.
- Eats plants and spawns during floods.
- Sold as swai or river cobbler abroad.
- US law bans 'catfish' label for this fish.
What it is
Basa is a heavy-bodied catfish with a broad, rounded head and a blunt snout marked by a white band. This species belongs to the shark-catfish family and can reach lengths of up to 120 centimetres. It is primarily found in the freshwater systems of mainland Southeast Asia. The fish has a stout build suited for river environments. Its physical characteristics distinguish it from other similar catfish species found in the region.
Where it lives
The natural habitat of basa includes the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins in Mainland Southeast Asia. These freshwater systems provide the necessary environment for the species to thrive. While native to these specific river networks, the fish is now traded internationally. Markets in North America, Australia, and Europe import the product under various local names. The geographical origin remains strictly within these Asian river systems.
How it lives
Basa feeds on plant matter within its riverine habitat. Spawning occurs when the flood season begins, triggering reproductive activity. Young fish are typically observed starting in June, reaching an average size of five centimetres by mid-month. The species interacts with wild populations through farming operations. Predators and ecological roles are defined by its position in the freshwater food web. Schooling behaviour is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
Breeding and life cycle
Reproduction is tied to seasonal flooding events. The onset of floods signals the start of spawning activities. Juvenile fish emerge shortly after, with sightings common in June. By the middle of June, these young individuals measure approximately five centimetres in length. Growth rates and specific egg characteristics are not fully described in the available data. The timing ensures larvae develop during optimal water conditions.
Fish and people
Basa is a significant regional food source and holds value on international markets. In the United Kingdom, it is often sold as river cobbler or panga, frequently frozen. Retailers sometimes mislabel it as cod or haddock due to price differences. Legal rulings in the US prevent its sale as true catfish, leading to alternative branding like swai. Taste tests indicate consumer preference for basa over some domestic US catfish varieties.
Status and threats
Environmental groups raise concerns about open cage farming pollution and disease transfer to wild stocks. The Monterey Bay Aquarium lists the species in its avoid category due to sustainability issues. Trace levels of malachite green, used for parasite treatment, have been detected in some imports. Fraudulent labeling incidents have led to prosecutions in the UK. Conservation status assessments are not provided in the current data set.
Questions people ask about Basa
What is the scientific name of basa fish?
The scientific name is Pangasius bocourti. It was first described by Sauvage in 1880. This binomial nomenclature identifies it within the shark-catfish family.
Why is it called river cobbler in the UK?
UK regulations allow several names including river cobbler, panga, or basa. Supermarkets use these terms for fresh or frozen fillets sold as cheaper alternatives to cod.
Is basa considered a true catfish in the US?
No. US law restricts the term catfish to species in the Ictaluridae family. Basa must be labeled as basa, swai, or bocourti to comply with FDA and congressional rulings.
What environmental concerns are associated with basa farming?
Organizations cite pollution from open cages and disease transfer to wild fish. Malachite green residues from parasite treatments have also been detected in some imported samples.
Good reading and sources
- A Catfish by Any Other Name (Published 2008)The New York Times, Article
- BBC News - Chip shop owner admits freshwater fish as codBBC, Article
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Basa (fish)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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