Which freshwater fish is known as the Siamese giant carp?

The freshwater fish known as the Siamese giant carp is the giant barb.

The giant barb, Catlocarpio siamensis, is one of the largest carp-like fishes in the world. It is native to major river basins of mainland Southeast Asia, especially the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong systems. The alternative name “Siamese giant carp” reflects its historical association with Siam, the former name of Thailand.

Unlike the common carp, the giant barb is not a widespread introduced pond fish. It is a specialized native river species, and its numbers have fallen because of fishing pressure, dams, pollution, and reduced access to spawning habitats. Young fish and adults also depend on changing river and floodplain conditions.

The name can cause confusion because several large Southeast Asian fish are called “giant carp” in English. The giant barb is distinct from the giant freshwater carp species used in aquaculture, such as bighead and silver carp. Its massive size and declining population make it a conservation priority.