Pangasius
A genus of shark catfishes from South and Southeast Asia, widely farmed for food.
Pangasius is a group of large freshwater catfish native to rivers in South and Southeast Asia. The name often refers specifically to the basa fish, which is farmed extensively and sold globally as a mild white-fleshed food product.
- Pangasius is a genus of shark catfishes from South and Southeast Asia.
- The name often refers specifically to the basa fish, P. bocourti.
- It was the sixth most consumed seafood in the US by tonnage in 2011.
- Farmed in Asia, it is sold as basa, tra, or swai in international markets.
- Twenty-three recognized species exist within this genus.
What it is
Pangasius comprises medium-large to very large shark catfishes found in fresh water across South and Southeast Asia. These fish are part of the family Pangasiidae. The term pangasius is frequently used to refer specifically to the commercially important basa fish, known scientifically as Pangasius bocourti. Members of this group exhibit various physical traits depending on their specific classification within the genus.
Where it lives
These catfishes are native to fresh water environments in South and Southeast Asia. Their natural habitat includes rivers and associated aquatic systems within this geographical region. While they are native to these areas, they have been introduced to farming operations outside their original range for commercial production.
How it lives
The genus contains twenty-three recognized species with diverse characteristics. Some species, like the snail-eating pangasius, have specific dietary habits. Others, such as the giant pangasius, are sought after for sport fishing and the aquarium trade. The fish generally inhabit freshwater ecosystems where they grow to significant sizes.
Fish and people
Pangasius is a major food fish, particularly the basa variety. It was listed among the top ten most consumed seafoods in the United States by tonnage in 2011. Farmed in Asia, it is sold under names like basa, tra, and swai. It appears in restaurants and stores as a mild-flavored white-fleshed fish. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is known as Ikan Patin. Some species are expensive food fish or kept in aquariums.
Questions people ask about Pangasius
What is the difference between pangasius, basa, and swai?
Pangasius is the scientific genus name for a group of shark catfishes. Basa refers specifically to Pangasius bocourti. Swai and tra are common market names used for various species within this genus when sold as food fish in international markets.
Where do pangasius catfish live naturally?
They are native to fresh water environments in South and Southeast Asia. They inhabit rivers and lakes within this specific geographical region before being farmed elsewhere.
Is pangasius fish safe to eat?
The source describes it as a mild-flavored white-fleshed fish farmed in Asia and consumed widely. It was listed among the top ten most consumed seafoods in the United States by tonnage in 2011, indicating significant commercial use.
Are all pangasius fish the same species?
No. There are currently twenty-three recognized species in the genus. Examples include the basa fish, the giant pangasius, and the Mekong pangasius, each with distinct scientific classifications and sometimes different uses.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pangasius", 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.
Like Pangasius
All catfishes
🇧🇷 Brazil and 4 moreTiger shovelnose catfish
Large striped South American river catfishCatfish · Rivers and lakes · 1862
🇹🇭 Thailand and 1 moreAsian redtail catfish
Large Asian bagrid catfish with a bright red tail.Catfish · Rivers and lakes
🇧🇷 Brazil and 3 moreSpotted sorubim
A large South American catfish known for its spotted pattern and commercial value.Catfish · Rivers and lakes · 1829
WorldBronze corydoras
Small armored catfish popular in home aquariumsCatfish · Rivers and lakes · 1858
More from Pangasiidae
All of them
🇹🇭 Thailand and 2 moreGiant pangasius
A large freshwater catfish from Southeast Asia, now critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.Catfish · Rivers and lakes · 1931
🇹🇭 Thailand and 4 moreMekong giant catfish
A massive freshwater fish native to the Mekong basin, now critically endangered.Catfish · Rivers and lakes