Siamese mud carp
Freshwater cyprinid native to Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers
The Siamese mud carp is a freshwater fish found in Southeast Asian river systems. It supports local food supplies and the aquarium trade while migrating through floodplains during wet seasons.
- Native to Mekong and Chao Phraya Rivers
- Common in floodplains during wet season
- Used for food and aquarium trade
- Migrates upstream from Cambodia
What it is
This species is a type of Asian carp belonging to the cyprinid family. It lives in fresh water and is native to major river basins in Southeast Asia. The fish is small enough for the aquarium trade yet significant enough for local commercial fishing. Its body shape and behaviour align with other mud carps found in the region.
Where it lives
The fish inhabits the Mekong and Chao Phraya river systems. It is particularly common in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. During the wet season, large numbers appear in floodplains. The population moves upstream within the Mekong basin, starting its journey from Cambodian waters. This migration pattern defines its presence across these national borders.
How it lives
Information regarding specific dietary habits, schooling behaviour or natural predators is not detailed in the available records. The species is known to be very common in floodplain areas when rains swell the rivers. Its movement upstream suggests a seasonal rhythm tied to water levels and flow conditions in the Mekong.
Fish and people
Locals catch this fish for food, making it a part of regional diets. It also enters the aquarium trade, appealing to hobbyists who keep freshwater species. In Thailand, it is called pla soi khao. Laotians know it as pa swai, while Khmer speakers call it trey riel tob. Vietnamese fishermen refer to it as Ca linh thuy.
Status and threats
Conservation data such as Red List status or specific threats like dam construction or pollution levels are not included in the provided text. The fish remains common in its range, but no formal assessment of its population stability is presented here.
Questions people ask about Siamese mud carp
Where does the Siamese mud carp live?
It is native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya Rivers in Southeast Asia. It is especially common in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, often appearing in floodplains during the wet season.
Is this fish used for food?
Yes, it has commercial use locally as a food source. It is also traded for aquariums, showing its dual role in local economies and hobbyist markets.
What do locals call this fish?
Names vary by country. In Thai it is pla soi khao, in Laotian pa swai, in Khmer trey riel tob, and in Vietnamese Ca linh thuy.
Good reading and sources
- Siamese mud carp on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Siamese mud carp", 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 Siamese mud carp
All carps and minnows
🇮🇳 India and 4 moreRohu
A large silver carp from South Asian rivers, farmed for food and prized as a game fish.Carp · Rivers and lakes
🇰🇪 Kenya and 4 moreRipon barbel
A large freshwater cyprinid from East African lakes and rivers.Carp · Rivers and lakes · 1900
🇷🇺 RussiaCaspian roach
A brackish water fish from the Caspian Sea region, widely consumed as a dried snack.Carp · Estuaries and mangroves
🇮🇳 India and 4 moreZebrafish
Small striped fish from South Asia kept in aquariums and labsCarp · Rivers and lakes
