The Giant Catfish, allegedly the world’s largest known freshwater fish. It occurs in the lower half of the Mae Khong River (fig.) and is hence also referred to as Mae Khong Giant Catfish. It can weigh as much as 300 kilograms and measure up to 320 centimeters in length.

It belongs to the family of Shark Catfishes, so-called for the high and triangular dorsal fin which is located far forward, reminiscent of that of sharks (fig.). Unlike true catfish, this adult Giant Catfish has only rudimentary barbels, i.e. whisker-like sensory organs near the mouth.