Mekong fish (scientific name: Henicorhynchus siamensis), also known as Malayan silver carp, Malayan silver carp, and Malayan catfish, is a freshwater fish of the ray-finned fish family Cyprinidae, order Cyprinidae. This fish is mainly distributed in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
Mekong fish usually live in slow-flowing rivers, streams, lakes and swamps, preferring waters with lush aquatic plants and rich aquatic vegetation. They are omnivorous fish that feed on insects, molluscs, and microbenthos.
The Mekong fish has a long body and flat sides, similar to a carp in shape. It is usually about 20-30 cm long, and the largest individual can reach 50 cm. Their bodies are silvery-grey, slightly arched downward at the back, and have a slightly rounded belly. The caudal peduncle is slender and the caudal fin is bifurcated. The Mekong fish has larger eyes, a slightly upward-turned mouth, and slightly longer gill slits.
In terms of fisheries, Mekong fish is a common food fish in Southeast Asia and is popular for its delicate meat and delicious taste. However, due to overfishing and habitat degradation, the number of Mekong fish has gradually declined, so it is listed as an endangered species in some areas and needs to be protected.
Overall, the Mekong is an important freshwater food fish, but due to the impact of human activities on its habitat and resources, conservation measures are needed to maintain and restore Mekong populations.