Freshwater Fish

51

52

Freshwater Fish―――――――――――

There is wide variety of freshwater fish in Mekong River Basin, and people in the area have beenutilizing it as valued protein sources for a long time. People in inland area especially depend on
freshwater fish. Even today, with advanced development transportation, freshwater fish dominates
the fish markets in inland area.
Kinds of fish that are utilized are numerous from those caught inwaterways and paddies near houses, to those caught by large scale fishing in Mekong Rivermainstream or Lake Tonle Sap.
In markets, there are many kinds and sizes of fish. One can find small fish with size of 1-2cm, tobig fish of more than 1m. Many markets are not equipped with refrigeration, so fresh caught fishneed to be sold as quickly as possible. One might worry if they could be all sold when we seehuge pile of fish, but there will be a new pile the next morning. Traded products are not limited to
fresh fish, but fermented products such as fish sauce, fermented fish sushi, or processed andnon-perishable food such as dried and smoked fish are also available. Fermented products areespecially important when understanding food culture of Mekong river basin. From their wide
variety, we know that freshwater fish is deeply embedded in culture of Mekong river basin.
People use not only market-bought fish. They catch on their own to make daily meals. It is
men’s work to do large scale fishing with boats, but small scale fish collection in shallow waters
around villages are for women and children. In the shallow waters, catches are mostly small fish
and it becomes dishes for the day. Some fish are farmed, and there are company- based large scale
farming, and smaller, more casual ones done by individuals by making pond in their own backyardor paddy.
In this study, we collected data on species that are commonly used and traded in markets. As forfish that are collected around villages, we went out to field to observe habitat and surrounding
environment, and interviewed about collection methods. Within the data collected in markets andfields, we found some species which are typically not considered edible. For those species, we
could not clearly record all the usage, but included them as data at large.

53

Collection Method (fishing)
There are many freshwater fish in Mekong river basin, and fishing methods vary according toseasons and type of fish. In this section, we introduce fishing methods around homes and villages.

<Fishing>
A method with a pole, string, and a hook to pull fish out ofwater.
There are fiberglass pole in stores, but many people
make their own with bamboo. Poles, strings, and hooks varydepending on what to catch. Shrimp, worms, cut piece offish are used as baits, depending on the target. This method
is used widely in waterways and rivers and lakes.

<By hand>A method to catch fish by hand in shallow waters during dry
season. Target is fish that are temporarily left in the remaining
water. This is a simple method of putting hands in roots ofgrass or in a hole, but it works effectively as the fish cannot
escape quickly with the water being so low. Medium-sizedfish such as snakehead and Climbing perch can be caught withthis method.

<Four-sided life net>
In this method, four corners of a square net are lifted by crossedbamboo or pipe, and the net is submerged for a period of time.
A fisher catches what is in the net after he lifts it from the water.
Center of the net is made to sag so that fish in the net would
naturally roll toward it. The net is usually lifted on a bamboo
stick. Women and children often use it. Many people use
this method when water rises in rain season to catch incoming
fish in overflowed areas. Size of the net varies depending on
targets.

<Bamboo sieve, hand-held net>
A method using a round bamboo sieve or a net set on round or
triangular bamboo frame to scoop water. Small and slow fish
can be collected. Aquatic insects and shrimp are collected at
the same time. It is often used in shallow and stagnant waters
such as paddies and marshes.
It is often used by women andchildren.

54

<Fish basket>
A method to use a cylindrical basket by putting it vertically inthe water and catch the fish inside by hand. As a fisher walks
around, bamboo basket is put into water like one is inserting acane stick. Once the basket is put over a fish, the fish moves
by surprise and shakes the basket. When a fisher feels thevibration, he puts his hands in the basket without lifting it, tograb the fish. It is used in marshes and shallow parts of lakes.
Medium-sized fish are often caught.

<Cast net>
A method using a net to be cast over water, and it spreads incircle or oval shape to cover fish. Weights or chain are
attached to the edges of the net so that the edges will touch thebottom of water. Some nets have its bottoms sewn together tomake a sack so that fish in the net would be collected in thatpart. If the net is not sewn and flat, fishers catch fish in the netby hand after it is cast. It is used widely in rivers, marshes,and lakes and ponds. It is mainly used by men.

<Drying pond>
This method is used during dry season where people pump out
water from a pond to collect fish that are left behind. Whenwater became very low, people go into water with sieves, lift
nets, or catch fish by hand. This method is often done bylarge groups such as teams, families, and sometimes a wholecommunity. To do this, they need to purchase a permit fromthe owner of the pond, but the income surpasses the investment.
It is like an annual event during dry season. The catch is verylarge so even it requires heavy labor, people enjoy and lookforward to this like a party.
<Fish Trap>
A cylindrical bamboo trap which is put in water run off or in
the stream in paddies and waterways.
There is a one-way
valve so that a trapped fish cannot exit back. Often bait is used
when it is used in stagnant waters. One can purchase this inmarkets and stores so anyone can easily obtain it.

<Bag net>
A bag net is used in water run off or in the stream in paddies
and waterways. Fish in the net cannot escape because offalling water or water flow. Small to medium-sized fish arecaught. This is used often in rain season.
55

Morphology of Fish
DorsalCaudalPectoral fin
Pelvic fin

Anal fin

Body length
Total length

Spine
Adipose fin

Barbels

Line pattern

Compressiform

Horizontal

Depressiform

Cross-section profile

Vertical56Order: Rajiformes
Family: Dasyatidae

Dasyatis laosensis
LA

Pa fa lai

KH

Tray bobail krobaiTH

Pla kraben，Pla ben

VN

Ca duoiCá đuối

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed along the Mekong River basin (Laos,
Thailand, and Cambodia).

07 Nov. 2008 Phoshy Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

It body is flat and circular.

There is a string-like tail which is longer than the body, andbears a venomous spine on the upper surface.
Use
A small number is being sold at the markets.

In Louang

Phrabang in Laos, it is caught often and is famous as ediblefish.

It is used in soup such as Tom yum, or seasoned withherbs and fish sauce to be steamed in banana leaves. Stale
rays have strong ammonium odor which makes the wholemarket stink.

It is collected from mainstream of Mekong.

57

30 Jun. 2010 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Osteoglossiformes
Family: Notopteridae

Notopterus notopterus
LA

Pa tong dang，Pa tong na

KH

Tray slaat

TH

Pla chalet (salat)，Pla tong

VN

Ca that lat

Cá thát lát

JPNaginata-namazu

ナギナタナマズ

Remarks

Basic InformationItisdistributed

from

India

to

Southeast

25 Juｌ. 2008

Asia.

Bo, Vientiane Province,
Laos

Notopteridae are deep-bodied, and laterally compressed.
Its anal fin is long and is fused with the caudal fin. This
species is the smallest in the Notopteridae family, and its
length is 50 to 60cm at the most, but it is usually muchsmaller.

Its color is bronze to silver gray without

distinctive patterns; however, the juvenile has stripes.
lives in lakes, flood plains, waterways, and ponds.

It

It is

active from evening to the night, and feeds on insects andother fish.

30 May 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is eaten by putting it in Laap, soup, meat balls, fried fish cakes, or being smoked. Its fried fishcake is made by scraping the meat off from the skin with a spoon, and rolling it into a ball, and deep
frying it.

In Laos and northeast Thailand, it is also used as an ingredient for Padaek (fish sauce).

In general, Notopteridae fish is used as common ingredients for Laap and fish paste. It is caught
by cast net, gill net, trap or weir.

Other than Notopterus notopterus within the Notopteridae,

culinary use of Chitala blanci and Chitala ornate are confirmed.

Notopterus notopterus, but they are used in the same manner.

58

These two species are larger than

25 Juｌ. 2008

Notopterus notopterus Chitala blanci

Bo, Vientiane Province, Laos

12 Sep. 2007

28 Nov. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

28 Nov. 2010

59

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Osteoglossiformes
Family: Notopteridae

Chitala blanci
LA

Pa tong kay

KH

Tray ka-ey，Tray k’ai

TH

Pla tong lai

VNJPRemarks

Basic Information
Its length reaches almost 1m long, but 60 to 70cm
individuals are popularly sold in the markets.

There is a

black spot at the base of its pectoral fin.

22 Jun. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
VientianeCapital, LaosBlack spots on the body, caudal fin and anal fin are connected and form slanted line patterns.

Order: Osteoglossiformes
Family: Notopteridae

Chitala ornata
LA

Pa tong dao

KH

Tray kray

TH

Pla krai，Pla hang pan，Pla
tong lao，Pla tong grai

VN

Ca that lat com

Cá thát lát còmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
Its maximum length reaches 1m, but 40 to 60cm
individuals are usually sold in the market.

A distinctive

line of 5 to 10 large eye-like marking is found along the anal
fin.

60

30 May 2009 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Amblypharyngodon chulabhornae
LA

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Pa sill，Pa taeb kaew

KH

Tray chongwa srae

TH

Pla siew kaew ， Pla dork
gaew，Pla chaw pha

VN

Ca trao

Cá tráo

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia) and Chao Phraya delta.

Its length is 3.8cm,

and the body is laterally compressed.

It is golden color andhas no barbel.

16 Sep. 2007

Arak Svay, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

It lives in slow streams such as waterways

or rice paddies.
Use
It is served boiled or steamed.

In Laos, it is also used as

an ingredient for fish sauce (Padaek).

It is usually sold ina market as a mix with other small fish.
hand-held lift net or cast net.

It is caught by a

It is a familiar fish often

seen around paddy fields.

61

30 Jun. 2010 Khun Neua, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Bangana behriLAPa piaKH

Tray pawa mok pii

TH

Pla wa na nor

Family: Cyprinidae

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

Its length is 45cm.

Its mouth has a dent

16 Feb. 2010

Lak2 Market, Champasak,Laoswhich gives the fish unique appearance.
It is herbivorous and feeds on phytoplankton and algae.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, in soup, or in salad.

16 Feb.2010

It is caught by draw net, gill net, or cast net.

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

16 Feb.201062

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Barbonymus altusLA

Pa viene fai

KH

Tray kahae krohomTH

Pla kapien tong，Pla haang
deang，Pla e jae

VN

Ca he vang

Cá he vàng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.
up to 16cm and has a deep-bodied shape.
tinged with yellow.

It grows

25 Nov. 2009

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Its pectoral fin is

The pelvic fin, anal fin, and caudal fin

are red, and the dorsal fin is black.

It lives in rivers, andwhen the water level increases, it scatters into the flood
plains.

Many of its local names are based on its red fin.

Use
It is served fried, roasted or in soup.
an ingredient for fish sauce.
net, or trap.

Juveniles are used as

It is caught by draw net, fixed

In Vietnam, it is farm raised.

63

26 May 2009 Vang Vieng Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Barbonymus gonionotus
LA

Pa pakKH

Tray chhpin prakTH

Pla tapien khao，Pla pak na

VN

Ca me vinh

Cá mè vinh

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta, Malay
Peninsula, Sumatra Island, and Java Island.

It is 30cm

long.

It is deep-bodied, but not so much than Barbonymus

altus.

Its caudal and dorsal fin are gray colored while

pectoral and anal fin are pale yellow.

22 Jul. 2008 Naxaikang, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

It lives in rivers,

brooks and flood plains.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, dried, in soup or Laap.
used in fermented sushi.

It is also

Juvenile is used as an ingredientfor fish sauce. It is caught by draw net, gill net, fixed net,
cast net, hand-held lift net, or trap.

It is also raised inextensive farming.

64

Som Pa15 Feb.2010 Savan Say Market,
Savannakhet, Laos

13 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

04 Nov.2008

20 Feb.2010 Nam Lo,
Bolikhamsai, Laos

22 Jun. 2008

13 Sep. 2007

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

12 Sep. 2007 Nong Nieng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Naxaikang, Vientiane, Laos

13 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

13 Sep. 2007

65

Phoxai, Vientiane, Laos

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Cirrhinus ornatipinnis
LAPa kaeng

KH

Tray riel (ompal)

TH

Pla soi peek daeng

Family: Cyprinidae

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is about 9cm long.

22 Jul. 2008 Phangheng, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Its pectoral, pelvic, andanal fin are colored in orange.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, boiled, dried, or in soup.

It is also used as an ingredient for fish sauce.

Other Cirrhinus fish are used in the same way. Large individuals are used in Laap.

It is caught

by draw net, cast net, gill net, fixed net, and trap. C. cirrhosus is being cultivated.

Cirrhinus ornatipinnis
11 Nov. 2008

Cirrhinus cirrhosus

Thong Khan Kham Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

11 Nov. 2008

Cirrhinus cirrhosus
20 Feb. 2010

Nam Lo, Bolikhamsai, LaosThong Khan Kham Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Cirrhinus cirrhosus
25 Nov. 200966

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Cirrhinus molitorella
22 Jul. 2008

Cirrhinus siamensis

Thong Khan Kham Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

24 Jul. 2008

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Cosmochilus harmandi
LA

Khun Neua, Vientiane Province, Laos

Pa pak ban

KH

Tray kompol bay

TH

Pla nam lang，Pla takak，Pla
dog jokVN

Ca duong bay

Cá duồng bay

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.
length is 60cm, and the body is blue-tinged silver.

Its

07 Nov. 2008 Phoshy Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

Its lips are covered by papillae, and the dorsal ray is serrated.

It lives in rivers during the dry

season and moves to the floodplains during rain season.
Use
It is served roasted, in soup, or Laap.

It is also used in fish sauce and fermented sushi.

caught by draw net, fill net, fixed net or trap.

67

It is

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Cyclocheilichthys enoplos
LA

Pa chok houa liam

KH

Tray ch’kaok

TH

Pla jok, Pla jork

VN

Ca cocCá cócJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Malaysia,
and Indonesia.

18 Sep. 2007

Old Market, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

19 Nov. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Its length is 55cm, and it has a long dorsal

ray.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot or in Laap.

It isalso used in fish sauce (Padaek or Prahok) and fermented
sushi.

Other fish in genus Cyclocheilichthys are used in

the same way.

It is caught by draw net, cast net, fixed net,

and trap.

68

15 May 2009

Cyclocheilichthys sp.

Dong Makkai Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

09 Jan. 2011

Cyclocheilichthys repasson

22 Jun. 2008

Cyclocheilichthys repasson

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

02 Aug. 2010

Cylocheilichthys repasson

02 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Nakhouy, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Cyclocheilichthys armatus

Nakhouy, Vientiane Capital, Laos

30 May 2009

Cyclocheilichthys apogon

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Cyclocheilichthys repasson

29 Nov. 2009 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

25 Jul. 2008

69

Bo, Vientiane Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Cyprinus carpio
LA

Pa nai

KH

Tray kap samain，Tray srok
chan

TH

Pla nai

Family: Cyprinidae

VN
JP

koi

コイ

Remarks

Basic Information
It originates in Eurasia and is introduced to various partsof the world including Indo-China Peninsula.

Its length is

24 Oct. 2009 Phonekeo, Vientiane
Province, Laos

80cm and has 2 pairs of barbels.
Base of its dorsal fin is long, and the pectoral fin is located in lower part of the body.
omnivorous and feeds on shells, sludge worm, and aquatic plants.

It is

It sucks in the mud and sandwhich contain the food, by stretching its mouth.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, in soup or Laap. It is caught by draw net or gill net.

Its farming is

also very popular.

24 Oct. 2009
Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

May.2009

08 Nov. 2008 Tha Heua Market,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos70

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Esomus metallicus
LA

Pa sill nouad

KH

Tray chongwaa phlieng(ch’nout)
Pla siew nuad yaw

THVN

Ca long tong sat

Cá long tong sắt

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Salween delta, and northof Malay Peninsula.

It is 5.5cm long.

prominent black lateral stripe.

10 Sep. 2007 Phoxai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

There is a

The maxillary barbels arevery long. Its pectoral fin is long, but it does not reach theventral fin.

Its close species, E. longimanus, has a pectoral

fin that extends to the ventral fin. It lives in slow streams
and stagnant water.

A school of this fish is often seen in theshallow waters of marsh and paddy fields.

It is also foundin a temporary aquatic environment such as submerged roador grassland during the rain season.

18 Jul. 2010

Mok paVientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is served fried, steamed, cooked in a pot, or in soup.
Prahok).

It is also used in fish sauce (Padaek and

It is often sold mixed with other small fish in the market.

other aquatic insects or beetles.

Sometimes it is sold with

It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift net, hand net, fixed net,

and trap. Since its habitat is in the water near where people live, it is frequently collected byindividuals for domestic consumption; therefore, it is used by people more frequently than one canassume by the amount traded in the market.

It is especially favored in farming villages as an easy

catch of the day.

71

22 Nov. 2009 Na Kom,
Vientiane Province, Laos

17 Sep. 2010. Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

21 Oct. 2010. Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

02 Jul. 201023 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

12 Sep. 2007

Vientiane Capital, Laos

23 Jul. 2008
Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, LaosElai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

22 Jul. 2008

72

Sikeud, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hampala dispar
LA

Pa soud

KH

Tray khman (so)TH

Pla kasoop，Pla sood jaum

VN

Ca ngua nam

Cá ngựa nam

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 32cm long. There is a large black blotch

under the dorsal fin.
width.

22 Jul. 2008 Naxaikang, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

The barbels are shorter than the eye

Juveniles resemble Hampala macrolepidota.

It

lives in ponds, lakes, or slow current of rivers.
Use
It is served roasted, in soup, or Laap.
fish sauce (Padaek).

In Laos, it is used in

It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift

net, cast net, gill net, fishing or trap.

H. macrolepidota in
25 Oct. 2010

same genus is used in the same manner.

73

Vientiane Capital, Laos

02 Sep. 2010 Norng Yao,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

08 Feb.2010

20 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Hampala macrolepidota

22 Jul. 2008

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Hampala macrolepidota

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

30 May 200974

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
LA

Pa kethlaap

KH

Tray kap so

TH

Pla song

VN

Ca me trang

Cá mè trắng

JP

Hakulen

ハクレン

Remarks

Basic Information
It originates in China and eastern Siberia, but is introduced
widely in the world.

Its length is 70cm and is silver colored.

12 Sep. 2007 Hou Kua Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is deep-bodied with a large head, and the eyes are locatedlow.

It lives in rivers and lakes and ponds.

It is often

found swimming near the water surface.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, in soup, and Laap.

It iscultivated and commonly found in markets.
13 Nov. 2008

75

Thaheua Market, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Labeo chrysophekadionLA

Pa piaKH

Tray k’aik

TH

Pla ka，Pla e-tuu，Pla pea

VN

Ca et moi

Cá ét mọiJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

It is 60cm long.

Juveniles have a black body, and adults are greyish to blackin color.

All of the fins are black.

14 Nov. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It lives in rivers, small

streams, waterways, and floodplains.

It is caught more

frequently when river water level is higher.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, fried, dried, smoked, salted
and in soup and Laap.
in Southeast Asia.
net, and trap.

It is one of an important edible fish

It is caught by draw net, fill net, fixed

Other fish in the genus Labeo are used in the

20 Feb. 2010

Nam Lo, Bolikhamxai, Laossame way. Labeo rohita is being cultivated.

Labeo pierrei
16 Feb. 2010

Labeo rohita

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

22 Jul. 2008

76

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane Capital,
LaosOrder: Cypriniformes

Mystacoleucus marginatus
LA

Family: Cyprinidae

Pa lang name，Pa lang kaw

KH

Tray temprakTH

Pla kae yok，Pla nam lang，Pla hang lueng

VN

Ca vay xuoc

Cá vảy xướcJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia. It is 15cm long.

There

is a horizontal ray in the front of its dorsal fin.

20 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Outer edge of the dorsal fin is lined black. The caudal fin is yellowish with black edge.

Blackmottles are scattered on the lateral body.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, stir-fried, in Laap. It is caught by draw net, cast net, and trap.

13 Feb. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang Phrabang,
Laos

15 Feb. 2010

Mystacoleucus lepturus
14 Feb. 2010

Phonekeo, Vientiane Province, Laos

77

Savan Say Market, Savannakhet, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Esomus metallicus
LA

Pa sill nouad

KH

Tray chongwaa phlieng(ch’nout)
Pla siew nuad yaw

THVN

Ca long tong sat

Cá long tong sắt

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Salween delta, and northof Malay Peninsula.

It is 5.5cm long.

prominent black lateral stripe.

10 Sep. 2007 Phoxai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

There is a

The maxillary barbels arevery long. Its pectoral fin is long, but it does not reach theventral fin.

Its close species, E. longimanus, has a pectoral

fin that extends to the ventral fin. It lives in slow streams
and stagnant water.

A school of this fish is often seen in theshallow waters of marsh and paddy fields.

It is also foundin a temporary aquatic environment such as submerged roador grassland during the rain season.

18 Jul. 2010

Mok paVientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is served fried, steamed, cooked in a pot, or in soup.
Prahok).

It is also used in fish sauce (Padaek and

It is often sold mixed with other small fish in the market.

other aquatic insects or beetles.

Sometimes it is sold with

It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift net, hand net, fixed net,

and trap. Since its habitat is in the water near where people live, it is frequently collected byindividuals for domestic consumption; therefore, it is used by people more frequently than one canassume by the amount traded in the market.

It is especially favored in farming villages as an easy

catch of the day.

78

22 Nov. 2009 Na Kom,
Vientiane Province, Laos

17 Sep. 2010. Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

21 Oct. 2010. Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

02 Jul. 201023 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

12 Sep. 2007

Vientiane Capital, Laos

23 Jul. 2008
Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, LaosElai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

22 Jul. 2008

79

Sikeud, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hampala dispar
LA

Pa soud

KH

Tray khman (so)TH

Pla kasoop，Pla sood jaum

VN

Ca ngua nam

Cá ngựa nam

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 32cm long. There is a large black blotch

under the dorsal fin.
width.

22 Jul. 2008 Naxaikang, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

The barbels are shorter than the eye

Juveniles resemble Hampala macrolepidota.

It

lives in ponds, lakes, or slow current of rivers.
Use
It is served roasted, in soup, or Laap.
fish sauce (Padaek).

In Laos, it is used in

It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift

net, cast net, gill net, fishing or trap.

H. macrolepidota in
25 Oct. 2010

same genus is used in the same manner.

80

Vientiane Capital, Laos

02 Sep. 2010 Norng Yao,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

08 Feb.2010

20 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jun. 2010 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Hampala macrolepidota

22 Jul. 2008

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Hampala macrolepidota

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

30 May 200981

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
LA

Pa kethlaap

KH

Tray kap so

TH

Pla song

VN

Ca me trang

Cá mè trắng

JP

Hakulen

ハクレン

Remarks

Basic Information
It originates in China and eastern Siberia, but is introduced
widely in the world.

Its length is 70cm and is silver colored.

12 Sep. 2007 Hou Kua Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is deep-bodied with a large head, and the eyes are locatedlow.

It lives in rivers and lakes and ponds.

It is often

found swimming near the water surface.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, in soup, and Laap.

It iscultivated and commonly found in markets.
13 Nov. 2008

82

Thaheua Market, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Labeo chrysophekadionLA

Pa piaKH

Tray k’aik

TH

Pla ka，Pla e-tuu，Pla pea

VN

Ca et moi

Cá ét mọiJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

It is 60cm long.

Juveniles have a black body, and adults are greyish to blackin color.

All of the fins are black.

14 Nov. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It lives in rivers, small

streams, waterways, and floodplains.

It is caught more

frequently when river water level is higher.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, fried, dried, smoked, salted
and in soup and Laap.
in Southeast Asia.
net, and trap.

It is one of an important edible fish

It is caught by draw net, fill net, fixed

Other fish in the genus Labeo are used in the

20 Feb. 2010

Nam Lo, Bolikhamxai, Laossame way. Labeo rohita is being cultivated.

Labeo pierrei
16 Feb. 2010

Labeo rohita

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

22 Jul. 2008

83

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane Capital,
LaosOrder: Cypriniformes

Mystacoleucus marginatus
LA

Family: Cyprinidae

Pa lang name，Pa lang kaw

KH

Tray temprakTH

Pla kae yok，Pla nam lang，Pla hang lueng

VN

Ca vay xuoc

Cá vảy xướcJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia. It is 15cm long.

There

is a horizontal ray in the front of its dorsal fin.

20 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Outer edge of the dorsal fin is lined black. The caudal fin is yellowish with black edge.

Blackmottles are scattered on the lateral body.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, stir-fried, in Laap. It is caught by draw net, cast net, and trap.

13 Feb. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang Phrabang,
Laos

15 Feb. 2010

Mystacoleucus lepturus
14 Feb. 2010

Phonekeo, Vientiane Province, Laos

84

Savan Say Market, Savannakhet, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Osteochilus hasseltii
LA

Pa ithai，Pa khao mong

KH

Tray kroh mimayTH

Pla soi nok khao，Pla kae
khom

VN

Ca me lui soc

Cá mè lúi sọc

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

Its length is 27cm.

Juvenile has 6 to 8 rows of dark spots on the lateral side,

25 Ju ｌ . 2008
Province, Laos

Phonyang, Vientiane

but they become obscure in adult. Its caudal peduncle hasa large round blotch.
fins are red.

The dorsal, pelvic, anal, and caudal

It lives in variety of habitats such as rivers,

small streams, waterways, marshes, lakes, and ponds.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, dried,
and in Laap.
sauce.

It is also used in fermented sushi or fish

It is often seen in the markets.

Similar genus

Osteochilus is used in the same manner. It is caught by

30 May 2009
Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

draw net, cast net, gill net, hand-held lift net, fixed net, andtrap.

Osteochilus lini
22 Nov. 2009

Osteochilus melanopleurus

Mueng Song Market, Vientiane
Province, Laos

18 Sep. 200785

Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Osteochilus microcephalus

Osteochilus waandersii

20 Aug. 2010 Vientiane Capital, Laos

13 Sep. 201186

Tha Ngam, Khammouane, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Puntioplites falciferLA

Pa sa kang

KH

Tray
chrokaing ， Tray
chrokaing kdaong
Pla sakang kreeb soong，Pla
kamangTH
VN

Ca danh

Family: Cyprinidae

Cá dảnh

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,

20 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Cambodia, and Yunnan Province, China).
It is 30cm long with laterally compressed deep-body.
pale orange in color.

The pelvic, anal, caudal and dorsal fins are

It has long dorsal fin ray.

Use
It is served roasted, steamed, dried, in salad or soup.

It is also used in chili paste or fish sauce. It

is caught by draw net, gill net, cast net, fixed net, and trap.

18 Nov. 2008 Phoshy Market,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

12 Sep. 2007 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Puntioplites proctozysron
04 Nov. 2008

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

87Order: Cypriniformes

Puntius aurotaeniatus
LA

Family: Cyprinidae

Pa khao mon

KH

Tray ongkot prak stangTH

Pla khao，Pla ta pien song
jud

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), and Southeast Thailand.

It is

06 Sep. 2010

Dong, Vientiane Province,
Laos

5.5cm long.
Is has a black lateral raw of mottles and a black spot at the base of the dorsal fin.

Juveniles haveblack lateral mottles.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, boiled or steamed.

It is also used in fish sauce.

It is sold at the markets

as well as caught by individual households; therefore, it is frequently consumed as a daily dish.
is caught by draw net, cast net, hand-held lift net, hand net, fixed net, and trap.
at a paddy field.

It

It is often sighted

Other species in the genus Puntius are often caught in marshes and paddy fields

and used in the same way.

Puntius aurotaeniatus
12 Sep. 201123 Jul. 2008
Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

88

Puntius sp.
Ton Vieng Kham, Bolikhamsai,
LaosPuntius jacobusboehlkei

23 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 Mar. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Puntius partipentazona

Puntius brevis

10 Sep. 2007 Phoxai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 Jul. 2008 Khun Neua ,Vientiane Province, Laos

Puntius stoliczkanus

Puntius orphoides

09 Nov. 2008 Xiangmouak,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

22 Nov. 2009 Mueng Song Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Puntius rhombeus
24 Nov. 2009 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos89

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora borapetensis
LAPa sill hang daeng

KH

Tray
chongwach’nout

TH

Pla siew haang daeng

VN

Ca long tong do duoi

sroloung

Cá long tong đỏ đuôiJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong
delta, and Northern Malay Peninsula.

10 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

It is 4cm long andhas dark lateral stripe. Its base of caudal fin is bright red.
Use
It is served steamed, stir-fried, and cooked in a pot.
also used as fish sauce ingredient.

It is

It is found in themarkets; however, it is more often caught and consumed athome than in a commercial way.
other small fish to be cooked.

It is usually mixed with

It is caught by hand-held lift

net, hand net, fixed net and trap.

Women and children are

R. borapetensis 、
R. rubrodorsalis 、R. spilocerca
12 Sep. 2007

Elai, Vientiane Capital, Laosable to catch small fish including this species with ahand-held lift net near the water, especially during the rainseason.

Rasbora rubrodorsalis and R. spilocerca are often caught together. It is consumed daily and is afamiliar fish for people in a rural area.

Other species in the genus Rasbora are used in the samemanner.

90Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora rubrodorsalis
LAPa sill

KH

Tray chongwa sroloung

TH

Pla siew haang daeng

VN

Ca long tong

Cá long tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, and Mae Klong delta.

It is3.3cm long with bright red base of dorsal and caudal fins.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora aurotaenia
LA

Pa sill

KH

Tray chongwa moulTH

Pla siew kwai

VN

Ca long tong da

22 Jul. 2008 Phangheng, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Cá lòng tong đáJPRemarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam).

It grows up to 11.8cm.

It has a

12 Jan. 2011

Vientiane Capital, Laosdark lateral stripe.
Its origin of the dorsal fin is closer to the base of the caudal fin than to the eye.

91Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora dusonensis
LAPa sill

KH

Tray chongwa

TH

Pla siew haang daum，Plasiew aowVN

Ca long tong

Cá long tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in China), Chao

30 May 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Phraya delta, Malay Peninsula, Borneo Island, andSumatra Island.
It is 12cm long with a dark lateral stripe. Its origin of the dorsal fin is closer to the eye than to thecaudal fin base.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora dorsinotata
LAPa sill

KH
TH

Pla siew

VN

Ca long tong

Cá lòng tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos and Northern
Thailand).

It is 4.3cm long with a black tipped dorsal fin.

It has a lateral stripe which is broader at the anterior to thedorsal fin origin, and the posterior part is connected to theblack mottle at the caudal peduncle.

92

24 May 2009 Phonekeo, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora paviana
LA

Pa sill eao

KH

Tray chongwa phnomTH

Pla siew khang lai

VN

Ca long tong

Cá lòng tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong

Apr.2009

Vientiane Capital, Laosdelta, and Northern Malay Peninsula.
It is 7.5cm long.

Its dark lateral stripe is connected to the dark mottle at the base of caudal fin.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora spilocerca
LAPa sill

KH

Tray chongwa pout toui(ch)TH

Pla siew daok khao noi

VN

Ca long tong

Cá lòng tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 2.6cm long.

Its caudal fin is yellow with

3 black blotches, including one at the base of the fin.

93

02 Sep. 2009 Norng Yao, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Gyrinocheilidae

Gyrinocheilus pennockiLAPa kaw

KH

Tray smok

TH

Pla nam pueng，Pla doodVN

Ca bam daCá bám đá

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 25.5cm long.

It has no barbels andeach fin has black spots.

24 Jun. 2010 150 Tieng Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is served roasted, steamed, and in soup.
fish sauce in Laos.

It is used in

It is caught by draw net, gill net, fixednet, trawling or trap.

15 Feb. 2010 Savan Say Market,
Savannakhet, Laos94

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cobitidae

Acantopsis spp.
LA

Pa hak kouay

KH

Tray ruh cheikTH

Pla rak kuay

VN

Ca khoai song

Cá khoai songJP
Remarks

Basic Information
Some species exceed 20cm long.

Its snout is long with apair of barbels. Its caudal fin is a shallow fork.

Severalspecies exist in Indo-China Peninsula.

Acantopsis sp. ”large spot”（Kottelat,2001)，

Acantopsis sp. 1 （Rainboth,1996）
03 Sep. 2010 Vang Hou, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Use
It is served fried, roasted, and dried, and also used in fishsauce. It is often sighted in the markets.

It is caught bydraw net or fixed net.

03 Sep. 201095

Vang Hou, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

Acantopsis sp. 1 （Rainboth,1996）

30 Dec. 2009

Acantopsis sp.2
30 Dec. 2009 Vientiane Capital, Lass

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Acantopsis sp. 1 （Rainboth,1996）

03 Jan. 2010

Acantopsis sp. 3

Vientiane Capital, Laos

03 Jan. 2010

Acantopsis sp.

03 Jan. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

19 Jan. 2013

Vientiane, Laos

96

Champasak, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Lepidocephalichthys hasselti
LAPa eathKH

Tray rus kamplaok

TH

Pla id，Pla rak kuay

VN

Ca heo rau

Family: Cobitidae

Cá heo râu

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

It length is 4.5cm.
Lepidocephalichthys hasselti
25 Juｌ. 2008 Bo, Vientiane Province, Laos

Use

It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, and dried.
is used as fish sauce ingredient.

When it is caught in abundance, it

It is caught by hand net, hand-held lift net, fixed net, and trap.

It is not frequently sold in the markets, but is caught and used often at homes.

Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei and L. furcatus in the same genus are also widely in use.

Lepidocephalichthys hasselti

Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei

24 Jan. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

13 Feb. 2010 Tha Heua Market,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

Lepidocephalichthys furcatus
23 Jun. 2008 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos97

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cobitidae

Yasuhikotakia modestaLA

Pa mou，Pa mou man，Pakheokai

KH

Tray kanchruk krohom

TH

Pla mu，Pla mu kao

VN

Ca heo vach

Cá heo vạchJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam).

It is 25cm long.

A black

vertical stripe is present at the base of caudal fin.
fin is orange, and the caudal fin is deeply forked.

Each

29 Jun. 2010 Ban Khun Market, Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

There isa sharp spine at below and anterior to the eye, but it isusually tucked in.
stripes.

Juveniles have 7 to 8 dark lateral

It is mainly found in rivers.

Use
It is served fried, roasted, dried or in soup.

It is also usedin fish sauce and fermented sushi. It is caught by drawnet, push net, and trap.

Other species confirmed in genus

Yasuhikotakia are Y. lecontei, Y. caudipunctata, and Y.
eos. Similar genus Syncrossus is used in the same way.
Its Lao and Thai names mean “wild boar (hog) fish”, which
is derived from the spine under the eye.

98

29 Jun. 2010 Ban Khun Market, Market,
Vientiane Province, LaosYasuhikotakia lecontei

29 Jun. 2010 Ban Khun Market, Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

30 Dec. 2009

Yasuhikotakia caudipunctata

27 Jan. 2013 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

19 Jan. 201319 Jan. 2013

Synrossus helodes

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

99

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Yasuhikotakia eos

Lak2 Market, Champasak, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Schistura spp.
LA

Pa phan

KH

Tray kanchrieit

TH

Pla khor

Family: Balitoridae

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It body is slender with horizontally compressed head.

Its

scales are small and the posterior caudal fin is a shallow
fork.

Schistura ephelis
24 Aug.2009 Phonekeo, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Use
It is served fried, roasted, and dried. It is caught by draw net and trap.

14 Nov. 2008

24 May 2009

Schistura porthos

Dong Makkai Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

11 Feb.2010

Schistura sp.
Xiangmouak, Louang Phrabang, Laos

100

Mouth, Louang Phrabang, Laos

Order: Characiformes
Family: Characidae

Piaractus brachypomus
LA

Pa vee，Pa hou xang，Pa ja la
mit

KH

Tray chaap

TH

Pla jalamet nam jeudVN

Ca chimCá chimJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It originates in South America, and those found in
Indo-China Peninsula are transplanted.

It resembles afish in Cyprinidae family, but can be distinguished by its

06 Sep. 2010 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laospresence of the adipose fin.
Use
It is served fried, steamed, in Laap or in soup.
cultivated in places such as dams.

It is

It is confirmed in amarket in Laos, but it seems to be not a familiar fish forthe locals.

Lap pa06 Sep. 2010 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos101

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Hemibagrus filamentus
LA

Pa kothdam

KH

Tray ta nel

TH

Pla kodVN

Ca langCá lăng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia,
and Vietnam).

It is 35cm long.

18 Sep. 2007 Old Market,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

The genus Hemibagrus is a catfish in Bagridae family with very long barbels.

It resembles genus

Mystus in the same Bagridae family, but can be distinguished by the length of its adipose finmeasuring the same or shorter than the length of base of the anal fin.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, boiled, or in soup. It is caught by draw net, gill net, fixed net,
Other Hemibagrus species are commonly sold at the market, and they are used infishing, or trap.

the same way as this species.

Hemibagrus filamentus
26 Jul. 2010

Hemibagrus spilopterus

Mueng Song, Vientiane Province,
Laos

18 Nov. 2008 Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

102

Hemibagrus wyckii
14 Nov. 2008

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Hemibagrus wyckioides
2008.Jul.28

Hemibagrus sp. (cf. nemurus)
24 May 2009

Vang Vieng Market, Vientiane
Province, Laos

103

Thong Khan Kham Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Mystus mysticetusLAPa khayang

KH

Tray kanchoh ch’nout

TH

Pla kha yaeng kang lai

VN

Ca chot soc

Cá chốt sọcJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos and Thailand) andChao Phraya delta.

12 Sep. 2007 Nong Nieng, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

It is 13cm long and is a catfish in thegenus Mystus in the Bagridae family with very long barbels.
It resembles genus Hemibagrus, but can be distinguished by
the length of its adipose fin being longer than that of base of
the anal fin.

The adipose fin is shorter than that of others

in genus Mystus.

It has 3 dark and 2 white indistinct

lateral stripes.
11 Sep. 2007

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, dried, or in soup.
net, fixed net, cast net, fishing, and trap.

It is caught by draw net, gill

Other Mystus species are sold frequently in the market,

and they are used in the same way.

104

12 Sep. 2007 Nong Nieng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

19 Nov. 201112 Sep. 2007 Nong Nieng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Mystus albolineatus

Mystus mysticetus

Haignon-mai, Vientiane Province,
Laos

03 Nov. 2008

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Mystus albolineatus
LAPa kha yaeng khoo

KH

Trey kanchoh baaiTH

Pla kha yaeng

VN

Ca chot nguaCentral Market, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia

Cá chốt ngựaJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia) and Chao Phraya delta.

It is 35cm long with alarge adipose fin and a narrow white lateral stripe.

105

15 May 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Mystus atrifasciatusLAPa kha yang noy

KH

Trey kanchoh stangTH

Pla kha yaeng kang lai

VN

Ca chot vang

Cá chốt vàng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, and Mae Klong delta.
12.5cm long.
stripes.

It is

19 Aug. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

It has 3 dark and 2 white vague lateral

Its adipose fin is large.

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Mystus singaringan
LAPa khayang

KH

Tray kanchoh baai soTH

Pla kha yaeng bai kao

VN

Ca chot

Cá chốt

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia,
and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, and Sundaland.
30cm long with no lateral stripe.

It is

The adipose fin is large.

106

22 Jul. 2008 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Bagridae

Pseudomystus siamensis
LA

Pa khee hiay

KH

Tray kanchoh t’moTH

Pla khi hea

VN

Ca chot bong

Cá chốt bông

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia) and Chao Phraya delta.
deep body.

22 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is 15cm long with a

It has short barbels and distinctive black andyellow stripes.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, and insoup.

It is caught by draw net, gill net, and cast net.
30 May 2009 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos107

Order: Siluriformes

Belodontichthys truncatus
LA

Family: Siluridae

Pa khob

KH

Tray klang haaiTH

Pla kang beung

VN

Ca tren rang

Cá trèn răngJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta and Chao Phraya delta.
It is 60cm long and laterally compressed in whole.

It hasan upturned mouth with conspicuous large teeth.

The

13 Feb. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

pectoral fin is longer than its head, and the dorsal fin issmall. The base of anal fin is long.
Use
Large sized individuals are sold at the market.

It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot,

and in soup.

26 Nov. 2009

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

26 Nov. 2009108

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane Capital,
LaosOrder: Siluriformes

Kryptopterus apogon
LA

Pa pik kai

KH

Tray kehTH

Pla nam ngueng

Family: Siluridae

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andYunnan Province, China), Chao Phraya delta, Malay
Peninsula, Sumatra Island, and Borneo Island.
70cm long and is laterally compressed.

It is

It has a long

13 Feb. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laosanal fin and no dorsal fin.
The caudal fin is split in a fork.

2 pairs of barbels are present with ones on the lower jaw being

shorter than the diameter of an eye.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot in a pot, dried, and in soup.
flesh. It is caught by draw net, gill net, cast net, fixed net, and trap.

Other Kryptopterus areused in the same manner.

Kryptopterus sp.
03 Nov. 2008 Central Market,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

19 Nov. 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Kryptopterus geminus

24 Jul. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos109

It has soft whiteOrder: Siluriformes
Family: Siluridae

Ompok bimaculatus
LAPa xeuam

KH

Tray ta aon，Tray kromomTH

Pla neua on，Pla cha on

VN

Ca tren bau

Cá trèn bầu

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is widely distributed in South Asia to Southeast Asia. It
is 40cm long and has a laterally compressed body.

Thebase of anal fin is long and the dorsal fin is relatively larger
than the other catfish.

09 Sep. 2010 Thating Hang,
Savannakhet, Laos

The caudal fin is forked and thepectoral fin has a distinctive black blotch on the upper side.
Its snout is small; it does not reach the eye.

It lives in aslow current of rivers, small streams, and waterways.

It

can be spotted frequently in a paddy field or marsh when
the river water level is high.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, and
12 Nov. 2008

Nongsa, Vientiane Province,
Laos

It is said that its taste deteriorates rather quickly as it loses freshness.

It is caught by draw net,

dried.

It is a commonly sighted catfish in the market with

20 to 30cm individuals being the most popularly sold.
Roasting is the most popular method, and the ones readyfor roasting, which are seasoned with salt or marinatedwith fish sauce, are sold.
cast net, hand-held lift net, fixed net, and trap.

110

22 Jul.2008

Sikeud, Vientiane Capital, Laos

28 Jun. 2010

Mueng Song, Vientiane Province,
Laos

22 Jul.2008

Sikeud, Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 Aug.2009

Phonekeo, Vientiane Province,
Laos

10 Feb. 2010

111

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Siluridae

Wallago attu
LA

Pa khao

KH

Tray sondai，Tray kropoat，Tray ch’kae nii

TH

Pla khao kao

VN

Ce leoCá leoJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is widely distributed from India to Southeast Asia.

It isa large catfish that exceeds 1m, and sometimes grows
almost to 2m.

Its body is laterally compressed with ahorizontally compressed head.

Base of the anal fin is longand the caudal fin is forked.

The pectoral fin is round.

28 Jul. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Its snout is very large and reaches posterior edge of the eye.
It lives mainly in rivers.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, and insoup.

Even the roe is said to be tasty.

50cm to 1m

individuals are popularly sold in the markets. It can be
distinguished easily in the market because of its size andthe large mouth.
It is caught by draw net, gill net, and fishing.

09 Sep. 2007 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is called by different names at different stages of

its growth in Cambodia.

112Order: Siluriformes
Family: Pangasiidae

Pangasianodon gigas
LA

Pa beuk

KH

Tray riei(ch)TH

Pla buakVN

Ca tra dau

Cá tra dầuJP

Mekon-oo-namazu

メコンオオナマズ

Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam).

It is one of the largest

freshwater fish in the world with a measurement at 3m anda weight at 350kg.

14 Nov. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

The body is stout with its eyes locatedlow.

The ventral side is white and the dorsal side is silvergray.

The mouth is located at the top of a snout.

Itscaudal fin is forked and a small adipose fin is present.
Juveniles have teeth and barbels, but they disappear when
they reach the length of 30 to 50cm.

It lives in Mekong

river and migrates long distance.

Juveniles feed on

zooplankton, and adults feed mainly on algae.
20 Sep.2009

Use
It is rarely seen in the markets.
soup.

Sannayao, Chiang Rai,
Thailand

It is served fried, roasted, steamed, boiled, cooked in a pot, and in

It is also used in a fish sauce and fermented sushi.

It has red flesh, and in Davidson’s book(Davidson, A. (2003) Fish and Fish Dishes of Laos, pp.66-67. Prospect Books), its steak is referredas the tastiest by charcoal grilling. Each part of the fish has suitable way of cooking; for example,
the liver is thinly sliced and salted for roasting, and the head is used in soup, etc. Even its roe isup for consumption. It is said that the tastiest part is in mid lateral, closer to the head. It iscaught by gill net.

Its number is rapidly decreasing in recent years.

In Thailand, research for its

cultivation is in progress, and artificially hatched juveniles have been experimentally released.
Farmed individuals are also said to be traded. It is not eaten very often in Cambodia because it isconsidered an unlucky fish.

Moreover, Cambodian fishery administration is protecting it byissuing penal rules, so in case of collecting and consumption, it is 3 million riel fine, and an informer
would receive a 50 US dollars reward.

113

07 Nov, 2008 Phoshy Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

20 Sep.2009

20 Sep. 2011 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

20 Sep. 2011

Sannayao, Chiang Rai, Thailand

20 Sep. 2011 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos

20 Sep. 2011

114

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
LA

Pa swai

KH

Tray praa ，Tray praa thomTH

Pla sauy，Pla swai

VN

Ca traFamily: Pangasiidae

Cá traJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia,
and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.

It is 1.3m long. It

14 Sep. 2011 Na Bo Market,
Khammouane, Laos

resembles Pangasianodon gigas but can be distinguished byits developed teeth and barbels.
Juveniles have 2 black lateral stripes.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, dried, in soup or in curry.
very popular in Thailand and Vietnam.

24 Jan. 2013

It is caught by draw net, gill net, fixed net, and trap.

Pakse New Market, Champasak, Laos

20 Feb. 2010

Its cultivation is

14 Nov. 2008

Nam Lo, Bolikhamsai, Laos

115

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane Capital,
LaosOrder: Siluriformes
Family: Pangasiidae

Pangasius conchophilus
LA

Pa phow

KH

Tray kaeTH

Pla phor

VN

Ca hu

Cá hú

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.

It is 1mlong and has a dark grey dorsal color with pearly luster.

09 Nov. 2008

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

The genus Pangasius, which this species belongs to, is
known to have a stout body, a developed spine of dorsal andpectoral fin, a forked caudal fin, anal fin with a long base,and 2 pairs of barbels.
Its appearance is close to genus Pangasianodon, but can be distinguished by lesser number of pelvic
soft rays.
Use
It is served roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, and in soup.
net, and trap.

Other species in Pangasius are used in the same manner.

Pangasius larnaudii
18 Sep. 2007

It is caught by draw net, cast net, gill

Pangasius macronema

Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia

15 May 2009

116

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Siluriformes

Bagarius yarrelli

Family: Sisoridae

LAPa khae

KH

Tray krobai thomTH

Pla khae，Pla took kae

VN

Ca chien

Cá chiên

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from India to Borneo Island.
long with a thick body.

It is 1.4m

It has a solid dorsal spine, an

14 Sep. 2011 Na Bo Market,
Khammouane, Laos

adipose fin, a forked caudal fin, and broad barbels.
The adipose fin originates above or anterior to the origin of the anal fin.

It lives in rivers.

Use
It is served stir-fried, blanched, cooked in a pot, or in soup.
caught by draw net, gill net and fishing.

It is also used in a fish sauce.

It is

Bagarius bagarius in the same genus is used in the samemanner.

Bagarius yarrelli
21 Jan. 2013

Pakse New Market, Champasak, Laos

26 May 2009

Tha Heua Market, Louang Phrabang,
Laos

14 Sep. 2011

Bagarius bagarius

117

Khammouane, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Clariidae

Clarias macrocephalusLA

Pa douk oui

KH

Tray onding ton

TH

Pla dook na，Pla dook oui

VN

Ca tre vang

Cá trê vàng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.

It is

22 Sep. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

30cm long with a cylindrical body and a horizontallycompressed head.

It has 4 pairs of long barbels, and thebase of dorsal and anal fin are long.

Its habitat ranges

widely from rivers, waterways, lakes and ponds, tomarshes.

Because of its ability to air-breathe, it can be

kept live for a while without water if it is kept moist.
Use
It is an important edible fish in Indo-China, so it is one of

Cheo-Pa douk
08 Jul. 2009 Vientiane Capital, Laosthe most commonly sighted fish in the markets.
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, dried, and in Laap.
can live with little water.
wiggling on a street.

It is easy to keep it fresh because it

Sometimes individuals which escaped from the market can be seen

It was one of frequently used fish in the research of daily meals in Laos. It

is caught by draw net, gill net, cast net, by hands, and trap. Other Clariidae are used in the samemanner, and are being cultivated including Clarias gariepinus which originates in Africa

118

Clarias macrocephalus

14 Sep. 200912 Sep. 2007 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Clarias sp. (cf. batrachus)

20 Feb. 2010

Clarias sp. (cf. batrachus)

Nam Lo, Bolikhamsai, Laos

20 Nov. 2009

Clarias sp. (cf. batrachus)

20 Nov. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Clarias sp. (cf. batrachus)
28 Jun. 2010 Mueng Song,Vientiane Province, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos

119

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Loricariidae

Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus
LA

Pa douth fune

KH
TH

Pla sucker，Pla doodVN

Ca lau kinh

Cá lau kính

JP

Madara-loricaria

マダラロリカリア

Remarks

Basic Information
It is native to South America, and those found in
Indo-China are imported.

It is 50cm long.

Its dorsal andpectoral fins are large, and it has a pair of barbels. The

26 Nov. 2009 Hong Kae, Vientiane
Capital, Laosbody is covered with dark mottles, including its ventral
side.

It lives in rivers and ponds.

Its ability to

air-breathe enables it to live even under low oxygen.
When rivers flood, it migrates to the shallow areas such as
marshes.
Use
It is not sighted in the markets very often, but it is servedin soup in Laos.

No other use was confirmed in any other
24 Jun. 2010 Hong Kae, Vientiane
Capital, Laoscountries.

It is assumed that since it is an alien species, it is not familiar as food source for the locals.
caught by gill net, cast net, or when ponds are dried.

120

It is

Order: Beloniformes

Xenentodon spp.
LA

Pa ka thong，Pa sa thong

KH

Tray phtoungTH

Pla kra toong haew

VN

Ca nhai

Family: Belonidae

Cá nhái

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from India to Indonesia.

Its body isslender and both jaws are sharply extended.

The dorsal

and anal fins are located at posterior.

Xenentodon sp.
03 Sep. 2010 Vang Hou, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, in soup, and dried.

It is caught by draw net, fixed net,

cast net and hand-held lift net.

Xenentodon cancila
25 Jul. 2008

20 Sep. 2011

Phonyang, Vientiane Province, Laos

Xenentodon sp.
20 Sep. 2011

Vientiane Capital, Laos

121

Xenentodon sp.
Thong Khan Kham Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Beloniformes
Family: Hemiramphidae

Dermogenys siamensis
LA

Pa ka thong

KH

Phting-toch ， Tray phting
toi(ch)TH

Pla sob thaong noi，Pla khem

VN

Ca lim kim ao

Cá lìm kìm ao

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.

Males

are 4cm long while females are 6cm long.

The body isslender and the lower jaw extends sharply.

Its dorsal and

15 Sep. 2007

Tonle Sap, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

15 Sep. 2007

Tonle Sap, Siem Reap,
Cambodiaanal fins are located at posterior, with the origin of dorsal
fin being more posterior than the anal fin origin.

The

posterior edge of caudal fin is round.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, dried, and insoup.

It is caught by draw net, fixed net, cast net andhand-held lift net.

122

Order: Beloniformes
Family: Adrianichthyidae

Oryzias mekongensis
LAPa sill

KH

Tray chongwaa ongkoo

TH

Pla kao sarn，Pla siew khao

VN

Ca socCá sócJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 1.4cm long with a broad anal fin.

Upper

and lower tip of the caudal fin are bright orange.

It lives

25 Jul. 2008 Naphang, Vientiane
Province, Laosin slow streams such as lakes, marshes, paddy filed,waterways, and ponds.
Use
Due to its small size, it is not actively sought after as food,but it is eaten with other small fish and aquatic animals.
They are cooked in a pot or steamed.
a fish sauce (Padaek).

In Laos, it is used in

It is not found in the market.

caught by a fine-mesh hand-held lift net or hand net.

123

It is

25 Jul. 2008 Naphang, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cyprinodontiformes

Gambusia affinis
LA

Family: Poecilidae

Pa sill，Pa kin ngung

KH
TH

Pla kin yoong

VN

Ca an muoi

Cá ăn muỗiJP

Kadayashi

カダヤシ

Remarks

Basic Information
Its origin is in Central and South America.

Those found in

Indo-China Peninsula have been imported.

Males are 3cm

23 Jul. 2008

Dong Makkai, Vientiane
Capital, Laoslong while females are 5.5cm long.
The dorsal fin of a female is located at posterior to its anal fin, and the posterior edge of caudal fin isround.

It lives in stagnant water.

Use
It is occasionally sold in the market, but used primarily at home. It is cooked in a pot or steamed.
It is used in fish sauce (Padaek) in Laos.
larger fish.

It is caught by cast net, hand-held lift net, and hand net.

01 Aug. 201023 Jul. 2008

Other than food, it is also used as a bait for catching

Mok paVientiane Capital, Laos

09 Nov. 2008

Dong Makkai, Vientiane Capital, Laos

124

Xiangmouak, Louang Phrabang, Laos

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus
LA

Eian

KH

AntongTH

Pla lai，Pla ian

VN

Luon dongLươn đồng

JP

Taunagi

タウナギ

Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Indo-China Peninsula, Indonesia, thePhilippines, Taiwan, mainland China, Korean Peninsula,and Japan.

15 May 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

12 Sep. 2007

Vientiane Capital, Laos

It grows more than 80cm long, with a slenderbody and no pectoral and pelvic fins.

Its dorsal, caudal,

and anal fins are also inconspicuous, that it almost looks
like a snake.

It lacks scales and the body surface iscovered with mucus.

It lives in a stagnant to slow watersuch as paddy fields, marshes, waterways, small streams,
rivers, lake, and ponds. It can air-breathe so that it survives
the waterless dry period by burrowing in a moist soil.

Mature adults actively air-breathe so it even suffers from oxygen deficiency when it is not able tobring its head above the surface in stagnant water.

It is known to reverse sex. When it is small,it lays eggs as a female, and as it grows larger, it becomes a male and participates in mating.
Use
It is an important food source in Indo-China, and it is always found in large markets.
the most frequently found fish in the market.
dried.

It is one of

It is served fried, roasted, stir-fried, in soup and

It is usually chopped with bone-in to be used. Its flesh has slightly distinct aroma, so it isoften cooked with herbs and spices.

Smaller sized ones in the market are sometimes used as inmercy release (In Buddhist belief; releasing a catch into wild is considered an act of mercy).
caught by cast net, by hands, fishing, drying a pond, and trap.
for catching this species.
season.

It is

There is a special bamboo trap justSometimes it is dug out from a pond and marsh bottom during the dry

In the rice planting season, when a tractor breaks up the soil, many fish including thisspecies are found, and people scoop them out with a colander.

125

22 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 Nov. 2009 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

05 Sep. 2010 Nong Pet,
Vientiane Province, Laos

25 Nov. 2009 Naxaineua,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

30 May 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

30 May 200922 Jul. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos

18 Sep. 2011126

Sainyabuli, Laos

18 Sep. 2011

Sainyabuli, Laos

01 Sep. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

01 Sep. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

01 Sep. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

01 Sep. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 Jul. 2010 Pakkagnoung,
Vientiane Province, Laos127

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae

Macrognathus siamensis
LA

Pa loth na

KH

Tray chlowin

TH

Pla lod

VN

Ca chach xiem

Cá chạch xiêmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.
to 30cm long with a slender body.

It is 20

23 Jul. 2008

Dong Makkai, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Its snout is long, anddistinct rows of blotches are found on the dorsal fin.

Itlives in a stagnant to slow water such as a paddy field,
marsh, waterway, and pond.

It is nocturnal and burrows

in a sand most of daytime.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, dried, smoked, and in soup.

It isnot very large, so that it is often cooked and eaten as awhole, including the bone.
This

speciesis

the

It is often seen in the markets.

most

popularasfood

04 Nov. 2008 Tropeang Thom Khang
Cheung, Takeo, Cambodia

among

Mastacembelidae.
It is caught by draw net, push net, hand-held lift net, hand net, and fixed net.

Other species in

Mastacembelidae, such as Macrognathus semiocellatus and Macrognathus circumcinctus in thesame genus with this species, and several species in the genus Mastacembelus are used in the samemanner.

128

06 Sep. 2010

Dong, Vientiane Province, Laos

24 Jul. 2008

Khun Neua, Vientiane Province,
Laos

29 Nov. 2009 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 May 2009 Vang Vieng Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

16 Feb. 2010 Lak2 Market,
Champasak, Laos

19 Jan. 2013 Ban Watlouang,Champasak, Laos

Macrognathus siamensis

Macrognathus siamensis
Mastacembelus favus

19 Nov. 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

19 Nov. 2009129

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae

Macrognathus circumcinctus
LA

Pa lothKH

Tray chlowin bongkongTH

Pla lod kang lai

VN

Ca chach ran

Cá chạch rằn

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta. It is 15cm long with aslender body and a long snout. There are 15 to 19 darkvertical lateral stripes.

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae

Macrognathus semiocellatus
LA

Pa lothKH

Tray chlowin kaeo

TH

Pla lod saai，Pla lod lai

VN

Ca chach com

25 Jul. 2010 Warin Chamrap Market,
Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Cá chạch cơm

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta, Chao Phraya delta, and
Mae Klong delta.
a long snout.

It is 19cm long with a slender body and

There are rows of unclear circular mottles

under dorsal fin.

130

25 Jul. 2010
Warin Chamrap Market,
Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae

Mastacembelus armatusLA

Pa lathKH

Tray k’chungTH

Pla lard，Pla kra ting

VN

Ca chach lau, Ca chach bong Cá chạch lấu, cá chạch bông

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from Pakistan to Vietnam and Indonesia.
It is 70cm long with a slender body and a long snout.

It

has irregular reticulated pattern on its lateral side, but it

22 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laosdoes not reach the ventral aspect.

Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae

Mastacembelus favusLA

Pa lathKH

Tray k’chung t’moo

TH

Pla kra ting，Pla lard

VN

Ca chach lau

Cá chạch lấu

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from Indo-China Peninsula to Malay
Peninsula.
snout.

It is 70cm long with a slender body and a long

It has an irregular reticulated pattern on its lateralside, and it reaches the ventral side.

131

26 Apr. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Ambassidae

Parambassis siamensis
LA

Pa khap khong

KH

Tray kanchan chrah toi(ch)TH

Pla kra jok，Pla pan

VN

Ca son xiem

Cá sơn xiêmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong delta, andMalay Peninsula.
general.

It is the fish which is called glass fish in

27 Jul. 2008

Nathone, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

10 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

It is 5cm long with laterally compressed andalmost transparent body.
to the eye.

There is a black mottle posterior

It lives in slow currents of rivers, waterways,

lakes and ponds, and marshes.
Use
It is served stir-fried and cooked in a pot. It is also used asa fish sauce ingredient, and is commonly sighted in themarkets.

As it loses freshness, the transparent body

becomes cloudy.

There is also a demand for its aquariumuse.
It is caught by draw net, trap, hand-held lift net, cast net, and fixed net.
and lakes, but also frequently seen around a paddy field.

132

It is often caught in rivers

Order: Perciformes
Family: Nandidae

Nandus oxyrhynchusLA

Pa mohKH

Tray khlaa bangTH

Pla kha baeung phaeng mor，Pla doom set，Pla sue daam

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, and Mae
Klong delta.

It is 7cm long with a deep and laterallycompressed body.

10 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

10 Sep. 2007

Phoxai, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

It has a large mouth which upper jaw

reaches posterior end of the eye.
Use
It is served roasted and fried.
ingredient in Laos.

It is used as a fish sauce

It is sold at the market, often mixed

with other fish or aquatic insects.

It is caught by draw net,hand-held lift net, push net, hand net, and trap.

133

Order: Perciformes
Family: Nandidae

Pristolepis fasciata
LA

Pa ka

KH

Tray kontrop

TH

Pla mor chang yead，Pla khaVN

Ca ro bien

Cá rô biểnJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Malay
Peninsula, Sumatra Island, and Borneo Island.
long with a deep body.
stripes.

It is 18cm

03 Sep. 2010 Vang Hou, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

There are rows of dark vertical

It resembles Nandus oxyrhynchus, but can be

distinguished by the shorter snout, smaller mouth, androunder body.

It lives in a slow to stagnant water, and canbe found where aquatic plants are abundant.
Use
It is served roasted, fried, and dried.
sauce ingredient in Laos.

It is used as a fish

It is often sold at the market.

It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift net, hand net,fishing, gill net, and fixed net.

134

05 Sep. 2010 Muang Fuang Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae

Oreochromis niloticus
LA

Pa ninKH

Tray tilapia chhnout

TH

Pla nilVN

Ca ro phi van

Cá rô phi vằn

JP

Nile-tilapia

ナイルティラピア

Remarks

Basic Information
It originates in Nile River system north of Lake
Tanganyika, Niger River system in Western Africa, andYarkon River in Israel. Those found in Southeast Asia areimported. It grows up to 50cm with 20 to 30cm ones being
the most abundant.

There are 8 to 10 unclear dark,vertical, lateral stripes.
stripes.

10 Sep. 2007 Namxouang Aquaculture
Development Center,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

The caudal fin has clear vertical

During egg laying season, the vertical stripes ofmales disappear, and the edges of dorsal and caudal finsturn to pale red.

It lives in rivers, ponds, and lakes, andalso spotted along waterways among paddy field.

Malesbuild a circular nest at the bottom of sandy mud in whichfemales lay eggs during season.

Females incubate eggs

and grow juveniles in their mouth.

12 Sep. 2007 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Use
Although it is imported fish, it is one of the most important edible fish in Indo-China.

It is served

roasted, fried, steamed, in salad (Laap), and in soup. When it is steamed, herbs are put into theabdomen to rid the smell.

It is also used as a fish sauce ingredient.

Among many methods of

cooking this fish, salted roasting is the most popular, and it is even seen at the restaurants forforeign tourists.

It is widely cultivated; therefore, it is available in markets throughout a year. It

is often sold alive in a tank, so that people can obtain one fresh. Wild caught individuals are also
sold that are caught by draw net, gill net, hand-held lift net, cast net, fishing, and drying ponds.

135

19 Nov. 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Koi pa nin
27 Jun. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

26 Nov. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

08 Nov. 2008

11 Nov. 2008 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

05 Nov. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

19 Nov. 2009 New Nong Neow Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Laos

12 Sep. 2007

136

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Eleotridae

Oxyeleotris marmorata
LAPa bouKH

Tray domray

TH

Pla boo

VN

Ca bong tuong

Cá bống tượng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from Indo-China Peninsula to Indonesia.
It is 65cm long with a stout body.

The pelvic fin is divided

into two, and left and right one does not merge.

There are2 dorsal fins, and its caudal fin is round.

Distinctive

27 Jul. 2008

Nathone, Vientiane Capital,
Laoslateral mottles which are black to dark gray in color arepresent.

It lives in slow to stagnant water, but also seen at

the mouth of a river.
Use
It is served roasted, fried, steamed, and cooked in a pot.

It

is treated as a gourmet fish in Thailand and Cambodia, butsince it can be caught near the villages, it is also available
for ordinary households.

Some restaurants in town that

03 Nov. 2008

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

are equipped with a fish tank serve it very fresh.
It is caught by draw net, gill net, cast net, fishing, and trap.

137

Its cultivation is also being studied.

Order: Perciformes
Family: Anabantidae

Anabas testudineus
LA

Pa kheng

KH

Tray kranTH

Pla mor，Pla sadet，Pla kheng

VN

Ca ro dongCá rô đồngJP

Kinoboriuo

キノボリウオRemarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Sri Lanka to China, Indonesia and thePhilippines.

It is 25cm long, but 10 to 15cm individuals

are the most abundant.

It has an olive colored body andthe bases of dorsal and anal fins are long. The caudal fin

12 Nov. 2008 Namxouang Aquaculture
Development Center, Vientiane Capital,Laos

is round. There is a dark mottle above the origin of pelvic
fin.

It lives in wide range of slow to stagnant water, suchas a paddy field, marsh, waterway, river, lake, and pond.
Its ability to air-breathe enables it to tolerate dryness; thus,
it is often seen in temporary water bodies such as puddles
in a paddy field or streets.

It is also adaptable to various

water qualities, and can be found in soiled water with water
buffalo dungs.

It is able to walk on a land when the

ground is wet.

24 Oct. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Use
It is one of the most important edible fish in Indo-China.
is used frequently as a daily dish.

It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, and in Laap.

also used as a fish sauce ingredient.
water.

Since it lives near towns and villages, it
It is

It can be sold fresh because of its ability to survive outside

Sometimes ones escaped from a container in a market can be seen walking on the ground.

It is caught by gill net, hand-held lift net, fish basket, by hands, grains, fixed net, fishing, overnight
hook fishing, drying pond, and trap. Smaller scale fishing is more popular.

138

09 Sep. 2010 Thating Hang,
Savannakhet, Laos

23 Jun. 201131 Jan. 2010

07 Aug. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Vientiane, Laos

30 May 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos

28 Jul. 2010 Dong Makkai,
Vientiane Capital, Laos139

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Betta spp.
LA

Pa kathKH

Tray kroem chulTH

Pla kadVN

Ca lia thia

Cá lia thia

JP

Betta

ベタ類

Remarks

Basic Information
It belongs to Osphronemidae, and it has a smaller andshallower body than others within the family.

It resembles

genus Trichopsis.

The base of anal fin is long, and thecaudal fin is round.

It lives in slow current water.

Betta smaragdina
16 Sep. 2007

Due toArak Svay, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

the ability to air-breathe, it can live in waters with low
oxygen level.

It is very aggressive.

Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, steamed, dried orin soup.

Usually, it is cooked with other small fish.

Other

than culinary use, its demand as an aquarium fish or
fighting fish is high, and individuals which are bred andhave bright colors for such purpose are often seen sold in abottle.

Betta spp.
08 Nov. 2008

Louang Phrabang, Laos

Since its aggressive nature, it has to be kept separately in the bottles. There are people who catchthe fish near their house and keep it as a pet in a container.

Betta smaragdina and B. splendens.

140

In this research, we confirmed use ofBetta smaragdina

Betta smaragdina

31 May 2009 Na Ngom,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

31 May 2009

Betta splendens

Betta splendens

24 Jul. 2008 Keun Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

25 Jul. 2008

Vientiane Capital, Laos

25 Jul. 2008 Keun Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Betta splendens

Keun Market, Vientiane Province,
Laos

141

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Trichopodus trichopterusLA

Pa ka deuth

KH

Tray komphliein sraeTH

Pla kra dee mor，Pla ka derdVN

Ca sac buom

Cá sặc bướmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

It is 10cm long.

Itssoft rays of pelvic fin become strings and extend as long as
its body.

The end of caudal fin has a slit, and there are

numerous dark lateral oblique stripes.

22 Jul. 2008

Sikeud, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

Bluish black spots

are present in the center and at the origin of the caudal fin.
Together with the eye, which is used to resemble a third
blotch, those spots give its aquarium name of “three spot
gourami”.

It lives in marsh, waterways, and ponds.

Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, dried, and insoup. It is also used as a fish sauce ingredient in Laos.
They are found in abundance around a paddy field and

23 Jun. 2011

Vientiane Capital, Laos

other surrounding areas, so it is frequently used in a dailydish.
It is caught by draw net, hand-held lift net, cast net, fixed net, and trap.

Other species in genus

Trichopodus are used in a same manner, but this species is more common in nearby environment.

142

Trichopodus trichopterus

Trichopodus trichopterus

17 Sep. 2007

Wat Preah Yesu, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

22 Jul. 2008

Phangheng, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

01 Aug. 2010

Napuheuy, Vientiane Province,
Laos

30 Jul. 2010

Khun Neua, Vientiane Province,
Laos

30 Jul. 2010

Khun Neua, Vientiane Province,
Laos

22 Jul. 2008

Phangheng, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

30 May 2009

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos143

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Trichopodus microlepis
LA

Pa ka deuth

KH

Tray kom phliein phlukTH

Pla kra dee nang，Pla ka derdVN

Ca sac diep

Cá sặc điệpJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is 13cm long with a silvery body.

The end of its caudal

fin is slit.

16 Sep. 2007

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Trichopodus pectoralis
LA

Pa ka deuth，Pa sa lit

KH

Tray konthooTH

Pla sa lid，Pla bai mai

VN

Ca sac ran

Arak Svay, Siem Reap,
CambodiaCá sặc rằn

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is 17cm long with a slit on the edge of caudal fin.
Numerous black oblique lateral stripes are present.

Some

individuals have a black band running through the eye tothe caudal fin.

144

30 May 2009

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Trichopsis schalleri
LA

Pa mathKH

Tray kram tonsaiTH

Pla krim see，Pla maud

VN

Ca bai trau

Cá bãi trầuJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos and Thailand) andgrows up to 4cm.

Soft rays of the pelvic fin are thread-like,but shorter than the body.

Soft rays of the anal fin extend

to middle of caudal fin.

The caudal fin is round andtapered at the end.

09 Sep. 2010 Thating Hang,
Savannakhet, Laos

There are 1 to 2 black lateral stripes.

Edge of the caudal, anal, and dorsal fins is red with
scattered blue spots.

It resembles Trichopsis vittata, but

can be distinguished by lack of the black stripe under theeye.

It lives in stagnant water body such as marsh, pond,

and paddy field.
Use
It is served steamed, cooked in a pot, and stir-fried.
also used as a sh sauce ingredient in Laos.

It is

29 May 2009 Norng Yao, Vientiane
Capital, Lsos

Since it is found in abundance near houses such as a paddy field and marsh, it is frequently used ina daily dish.

It is often cooked with other small fish or aquatic insects or animals.

hand net, hand-held lift net, fixed net, and trap.

vittata is used in the same manner.

145

It is caught by

It is caught often around a paddy field.

T.

Trichopsis schalleri

09 Sep. 2010

02 Sep. 201017 Sep. 2007

Thating Hang, Savannakhet,
Laos

Trichopsis vittata

Trichopsis vittata

Wat Preah Yesu, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

Trichopsis vittata

Norng Bon, Vientiane Capital,
Laos

12 Sep. 2007 New Nong Neow Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

146

Order: Perciformes

Channa lucius
LA

Pa ii jone，Pa ka chon

KH

Tray kanchoun cheyTH

Pla e-jaun，Pla ka song

VN

Ca dayFamily: Channidae

Cá dầyJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.
30cm.

Its length exceeds

Its lateral side has black mottles, and the ventral

side has rows of oblique stripes.

It lives in slow currents

30 May 2009 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laosof rivers, lakes, marshes, and ponds.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, steamed, dried and in soup.

It is caught by draw net,

gill net, long-line fishery, and hand net.

30 May 200926 Nov. 2009

Nong Chanh Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

30 May 2009

Dong Borng, Vientiane Capital, Laos

147

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Channidae

Channa gachua
LAPa khor kang

KH

Tray k’saan

TH

Pla kang

VN

Ca chanh duc

Cá chành dục

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from Sri Lanka to Mekong delta (Laos,
Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in
China) and Bali Island.

Its length exceeds 17cm. Adult

26 Nov. 2009 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

has light orange to yellowish or white tip of dorsal, anal,and caudal fin.

A black eclipse-shaped mottle is present

at the origin of the pectoral fin.

It lives in rivers, small

streams, lakes, marshes, and ponds.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, steamed, dried
and in soup.

Compared to the other species in

Channidae, it is less often sold in the market, but it is afamiliar fish around the villages and is used daily. It iscaught by draw net, gill net, hand net, and cast net.

148

13 Feb. 2010 Tha Heua Market,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

26 Nov. 2009 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

26 May 2009 Nakha,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

26 Nov. 2009 Dong Borng,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

24 Feb 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

17 Jul. 2010
Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

24 Aug. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

149

Order: Perciformes
Family: Channidae

Channa micropeltes
LA

Pa do

KH

Tray diep，Tray chhdao

TH

Pla doh ， Pla chado ， Pla
melang pu

VN

Ca loc bong

Cá lóc bông

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Malay
Peninsula, Sumatra Island, and Borneo Island.

Its

18 Sep. 2007

Old Market, Siem Reap,
Cambodia

length exceeds 90cm. Bold and black lateral stripes arepresent.

Juveniles have 2 black lateral lines and thespace between the lines is colored bright orange.

It lives

in slow current and stagnant water.
Use
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, steamed, dried,
and in soup.

It is often seen in the market, andsometimes individuals over 50cm are found.

This species

and Channa striata are more popular as food source
among Channidae family.

It is caught by draw net, gill

net, trap, and long-line fishery.

150

20 Sep. 2011 Thong Khan Kham, Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Channidae

Channa striata
LA

Pa khor

KH

Tray phtoah，Tray rohTH

Pla chon，Pla khor

VN

Ca loc dong, Ca loc den

Cá lóc đồng, Cá lóc đen

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed from Sri Lanka to Indonesia, thePhilippines, and China.

It can grow up to 90cm long, but

typical individuals are 30 to 70cm.
with white ventral side.
stripes.

It has a dark body

14 Sep. 2011

Houyyon, Khammouane,
Laos

04 Nov. 2008

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Adults have oblique black lateral

Juveniles have an orange-colored body.

It lives

in a paddy field, marsh, waterway, river, pond, and lake.
Sometimes it migrates to temporary a water such as
puddles.
Use
It is the most frequently used species within Channidae
family, and it can represent the food in Indo-China.

It isfound in abundance around a paddy field, so it is easy forpeople to catch and use it daily.

There are several ways of using the fish, including its juveniles and hatchlings.

It is mainly fried,

roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, dried, in soup, and ground to make a paste.

It is particularly

popular to fry or make a soup with it.

Hatchlings are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Itis caught by drying of pond, gill net, bag net, hand-held lift net, fish basket, by hands, fishing, fixednet, and trap.

In Laos, there is even a trap that is named after this species (Chan-Pa khor).

cultivated both commercially and individually.

It is

Individual small scale farms are often extensive,

but locals prefer wild-caught over farmed ones, and they differ in market prices as well.

151

19 Nov. 2009 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

27 Jul. 2008 Nathone,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

17 Sep. 2007 Wat Preah Yesu,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

03 Aug. 2010 Phonekeo,
Vientiane Province, Laos

17 Sep. 2007 Wat Preah Yesu,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

29 May 2009 Norng Bon,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

19 Nov. 2009 New Nong Neow Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

28 Jul. 2008 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

152

12 Sep. 2007

Vientiane Capital, Laos

27 Jul. 200917 Sep. 2007
Tonle Sap,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

17 Sep. 2007 Tonle Sap,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Chan-Pa khor
29 .May 2009 Norng Bon,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

26 Apr. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

28 Nov. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Vientiane Capital, Laos

29 May 2009 Norng Bon,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

153

Order: Pleuronectiformes
Family: Soleidae

Brachirus harmandiLAPa pam，Pa line maa

KH

Tray ondat chhkae khmau

THPla lin maa，Pla line kwai

VN

Ca luoi meo

Cá lưỡi mèo

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, and Malay Peninsula.
is 8cm long with a flat body.
rudimentary.

It

Its pectoral fin isNov. 2008 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

It lives in the sand and muddy bottom oflarge rivers.
Use
It is used in soup.

It is caught by draw net, trawling,

fixed net, and cast net.

05 Nov. 2008

154

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Order: Tetraodontiformes
Family: Tetraodontidae

Tetraodon turgidusLA

Pa paoKH

Tray kompot paraTH

Pla pak pao

VN

Ca nocCá nócJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos and Thailand).
is 18.5cm long.

It

Numerous dark orange to reddish mottles

are present on the lateral side.

24 Jul. 2008 Khun Neua, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Use
It is used as food in Laos and Cambodia, but it is not a
popular cooking fish. Although not frequent, it is sold at
the market.

It is served roasted, steamed, and in soup.

Many species of Tetraodontidae family are known to havepoison, but details about freshwater species in Indo-China
Peninsula remain unknown.

During an interview in

Laos, there were tales of people having stomach ache ordied after consuming pufferfish, but the truth needs

24 Jul. 2008 Khun Neua, Vientiane
Province, Laosconfirmation.
It is caught by cast net, hand-held lift net, hand net, fixed net, and trap.
use of T. cambodgiensis, T. cochinchinensis, and T. suvattii are confirmed.

155

Other than this species,Tetraodon cambodgiensis

23 Nov. 2009 Nam Song,Vientiane Province, Laos

13 Nov. 2008 Thaheua Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Tetraodon cochinchinensis

06 Aug. 2010

Tetraodon cochinchinensis

Vientiane Capital, Laos

12 Sep. 2010

Tetraodon suvattii

23 Nov. 2009 Hin Kham Mad Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

156

Sivilay, Vientiane Capital, LaosOther cooking fish
There are many fish being used in Mekong delta, other than those introduced in this report.
assumed that fish that are not frequently used remain unconfirmed.

In this chapter, the pictures,scientific names, and the local names of fish that are confirmed of their use, but lack detailed
information, are introduced.

157

It is

Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Anguillidae

Anguilla marmorataLA

Pa lai fai faa

KH
TH

Pla ian hoo

VN

Ca chinh hoa

Cá chình hoa

JP

オオウナギ

Remarks

Basic Information
It is not often found in market.

It is served in soup
21 Jan. 2013 Pakse New Market,
Champasak, Laos

Order: Clupeiformes
Family: Clupeidae

Clupeichthys aesarnensis
LA

Pa mak phang，Pa sanak

KH

Tray kbok

TH

Pla mak phang

VN

Ca trich xiem

Cá trích xiêmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It lives in large rivers without much current.

It is dried and served in stir-fry.

It is also used as a fishsauce ingredient.

158

19 Nov. 2009

Hou Kua Market, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Clupeiformes
Family: Clupeidae

Tenualosa thibaudeauiLAPa mak phang，Pa sanak

KH

Tray kbok

TH

Pla mak phang

VN

Ca chay nam

Cá cháy nam

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia and Vietnam).

It has a deep body, and adults

have rows of black spots on the upper lateral body.

It feeds

Tenualosa thibaudeaui
26 Jun. 2010 Vientiane Capital, Laoson phytoplankton and other small food.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Boraras micros
LA

Pa sill

KH

Tray changwa la-et

TH
VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is stir-fried or steamed with other small fish.

It is noteaten as a single cooking fish, but rather is cooked as small
fish collectively.

159

25 Jul. 2008 Naphang, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Danio roseus
LA

Pasill，Pa vien fai，Pa sill
dang

KH
TH

Pla siew

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (North of Laos, Thailand
and Myanmar).

It is 3.5cm long with a pinkish to orange

colored band on pelvic and anal fin.

It has long barbels,

26 May 2009

Nakha, Louang Phrabang,
Laosand is served steamed or cooked in a pot.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Devario gibber
LA

Pa sill khao

KH

Tray
changwaa
phnomTH

Pla siew

phlieng

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos).

It is 6.5cm longwith 3 to 4 dark blue lateral stripes.

Phonekeo, Vientiane Province, Laos160

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Discherodontus ashmeadiLAPa sill hang deang

KH

Tray kontoy krohomTH

Pla haang dang，Pla dangnoi

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 13.5cm long with a black tip of dorsal fin.

Part of the caudal fin turns bright red.
roasted, and steamed.

It is served fried,

11 Nov. 2008 Thong Khan Kham Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is also used as a fish sauce

ingredient in Laos.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hemiculterella macrolepis
LA

Pa kang

KH
TH
VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos and Yunnan
Province in China).

It is 13.5cm long.

Between the baseof the pelvic fin and the anal fin becomes keel.

Dried fish

are sold, and they are served fried and stir-fried.

161

17 Feb. 2010 Pakse New Market,
Champasak, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hypsibarbus lagleri
LA

Pa pak mon，Pa pak

KH

Tray chhpin sdaengTH

Pla pak，Pla pak nuad

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 35cm long with a laterally compressedand deep body.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hypsibarbus pierreiLA

Pa pak ta leung

KH

Tray ch’pun miahTH

Pla pak

13 Feb. 2010 Phoshy Market,
Louang Phrabang, Laos

VN
JPRemarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Vietnam, andCambodia), Dong Nai delta and Malay Peninsula.
25cm long.

162

It is

21 Jun. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Hypsibarbus malcolmiLAPa pak kom

KH

Tray ch’pun moulTH

Pla pak，Pla tapak

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong delta, andMalay Peninsula.

It is 40cm long.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Labiobarbus leptocheila
LAPa khilam

KH

Tray khnong veng ， Trayai(ch)kok
Pla khui larm ， Pla laung
khon

TH
VN

Ca linh ray

22 Jul. 2008 Nong Chanh Market,
Vientiane Capital, LaosCá linh rây

JPRemarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.
dark caudal and dorsal fins.
spots on the lateral side.

It is 26cm long with

Usually it has rows of dark

It is served fried and roasted.

163

22 Jul. 2010

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Labiobarbus siamensis
LA

Pa poth，Pa ithai

KH

Tray ai(ch)kok，Tray khnong
veng

TH

Pla sa，Pla moliluay

VN

Ca linh ria xiem

Cá linh rìa xiêmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), and Chao Phraya delta.
dark caudal and dorsal fins.

It is 16.5cm long with

Usually it has rows of dark

15 Sep. 2007

Kampong Phluk, Siem Reap,
Cambodiaspots on lateral side.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Onychostoma gerlachiLAPa khing

KH

Tray ronoung ch’nout

TH

Pla soi

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (North of Laos andYunnan Province in China), Ma delta, Red River delta, andNanpan delta.

It is 26.5cm long.

164

24 Nov. 2009 Vang Vieng Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Opsarius pulchellus
LA

Pa khan heua

KH

Tray ongkot krohomTH

Pla nam mueng

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andYunnan Province in China), Ma delta, and Chao Phrayadelta.
mottles.

It is 10cm long with 7 to 10 dark blue vertical

24 Nov. 2009 Vang Vieng Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

It lives in rivers and small streams.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Parachela siamensis
LA

Pa tab houa bith

KH

Tray chuntia phlokTH

Pla taeb kaew，Pla tong prus

VN

Ca lanh canh xiem

Cá lành canh xiêmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia) and Chao Phraya delta.

It is 12cm long with

30 May 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

its ventral side being keel.
The pectoral fin is long, but does not reach the edge of the pelvic fin.
It is also used as a fish sauce ingredient.

165

It is served fried and roasted.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Poropuntius laoensis
LA

Pa jathKH

Tray kroh phnomTH

Pla jard，Pla kayao

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is served fried, roasted, and steamed. It is

used as a fish sauce ingredient.

13 Feb. 2010

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Poropuntius normani
LA
KH

Tray kroh phnomTH

Pla jard

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is served fried, roasted, and steamed.

It is used as a fishsauce ingredient.

22 Nov. 2009 Mueng Song Market,
Vientiane Province, Laos

166

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Probarbus jullieni
LAPa eune

KH

Tray trosokTH

Pla yeesok，Pla urn

VN

Ca tra soc

Cá trà sóc

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong delta, and14 Oct. 2009

Vientiane Province, Lao

Malay Peninsula.
It is 1m long with distinct black lateral stripes. The caudal fin is black and forked.

It is served

roasted, in soup, and Laap, and as a stake.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Puntius sp. (cf. masyai)
LAPa khao

KH

Tray ongkot prakTH

Pla tapien sai

VN

Ca ramCá rằmJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It has a black blotch in the middle of base of dorsal fin andcaudal peduncle.

It is served fried, roasted, cooked in apot, and steamed.

It is used as a fish sauce ingredient.

167

24 Jul. 2008 Naphang, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Rasbora sp. (cf. steineri)LA

Pa sill

KH

Tray chongwa ch’nout

TH

Pla siew hang daeng

VN

Ca long tong

Cá long tong

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Ma delta, North to Central Vietnam, andSoutheast China.

It is 6cm long with a dark lateral bandthat reaches the edge of caudal fin.

Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus

Rasbora sp. (cf. steineri)
28 Jun. 2010 Phone Ngeun,
Vientiane Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

LA
KH
TH

Pla moom

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in China), Nam
Xam delta, Da delta, and Chao Phraya delta. It is 31cm
long.

It lives in clear streams in the mountains.

168

29 Sep. 2009 Phonekeo, Vientiane
Province, Laos

Order: Cypriniformes

Scaphognathops bandanensis
LA

Pa pian tadam

KH

Tray paphakTH

Pla ta dam，Pla ta pean

Family: Cyprinidae

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand, andCambodia).

It is 18cm long with a pale yellow caudal fin.

It has no barbels and has a blunt sharp snout.

It lives in

08 Nov. 2008

Tha Heua Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laosrivers during the dry period and migrates to the branches ofriver or flood plains during rain season.

It is served

roasted, in soup and Laap, and dried.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Sikukia gudgeri
LA

Pa mok mang

KH

Tray kombot chromoh，Trayphneik krohom
Pla kra mang，Pla si kook

TH
VN

Ca danhCá dảnh

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Yunnan Province in Chin) and Chao Phrayadelta.

10 Jul. 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

It is 15cm long with a silver body.

It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, and steamed.

169

It is used as a fish sauce ingredient.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Thynnichthys thynnoides
LA

Pa kaum

KH

Tray linTH

Pla soi kred tee

VN

Ca linh cam

Cá linh cám

JPRemarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Malay

15 May 2009

Vientiane Capital, Laos

Peninsula, Sumatra Island, and Borneo Island.
It is 20cm long with a laterally compressed body and keeled ventral side.
scales.

It lives in rivers, waterways, and flood plains.

It is silvery with fine

It is roasted and cooked in a pot.

It isused as a fish sauce ingredient.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Tor tambroides
LA

Pa daeng

KH

Tray k’ao

TH

Pla wienVN

Ca ngua xam

Cá ngựa xám

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Southeast Asia.

It is 55cm long with abright ventral side and dark dorsal side.
large.

Its scales are

It is served roasted, steamed, cooked in a pot, in

Laap and soup.

170

07 Nov. 2008 Phoshy Market, Louang
Phrabang, Laos

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Pangasiidae

Helicophagus leptorhynchus
LA

Pa naa nou

KH

Tray pra kondolTH

Pla sa wai noo

VN

Ca tra chuot

Cá tra chuột

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) and Chao Phraya delta.
in rives and river branches.

It lives

13 Feb. 2010

Morpou, Champasak, 2010

It is 47cm long with 2 pairs ofrelatively short barbels.

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Pangasiidae

Pseudolais pleurotaenia
LA

Pa yone thong kom

KH

Tray chhwiet kdaa

TH

Pla yorn taa po

VN

Ca xac bau

Cá xác bầu

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya delta, Mae Klong
delta, and Tapi delta.

16 Feb. 2010 Lak2 Market,
Champasak, Laos

It is 30cm long with a laterally compressed body and keeled ventral side.
cooked in a pot.

171

It is served fried andOrder: Siluriformes
Family: Schilbeidae

Clupisoma sinensis
LA

Pa ngon thong

KH

Tray chhwiet prak luangTH

Pla yorn thong

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in China) and
Malay Peninsula.

It is 27cm long with 4 pairs ofClupisoma sinensis
14 Oct. 2009 Vientiane Capital, Laosbarbels.

Order: Siluriformes
Family: Schilbeidae

Laides longibarbis
LA

Pa yone ta loh

KH

Tray chhwiet prakTH

Pla yorn mauk

VN
JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in China), Chao
Phraya delta, and Mae Klong delta.

It is 14cm long with 3

pairs of barbels.

172

22 Jul. 2008 Dong Makkai Market,
Vientiane Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Polynemidae

Polynemus aquilonaris
LA
KH

Tray pream sor

TH
VN

Ca phen song

Cá phèn sông

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It was sold in Cambodian water market.
15 Sep. 2007

Order: Perciformes
Family: Sciaenidae

Boesemania microlepis
LA

Pa kouang

KH

Tray promarTH

Pla kuang

VN

Ca suuTonle Sap, Siem Reap,
CambodiaCá sửuJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is cooked in a pot or put in soup.
19 Jan. 2013173

Lak2 Market, Champasak,
LaosOrder: Perciformes
Family: Gobiidae

Brachygobius mekongensis
LA

Pa bouKH

Tray ka-san boeung

TH
VN

Ca bong dieu

Cá bống điếuJP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is cooked in a pot, stir-fried, or steamed with other small
fish and aquatic animals.

22 Jul. 2008 Phangheng, Vientiane
Capital, Laos

Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae

Osphronemus exodon
LA

Pa menKH

Tray romeas

TH

Pla mhenVN

Ca tai tuong

Cá tai tượng

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is served fried, roasted, cooked in a pot, or stir-fried.

It

is also used as an ingredient for fish sauce and fermented
sushi.

174

18 Feb. 2010

Lak14 Market, Champasak,
LaosOrder: Perciformes
Family: Lobotidae

Datnioides undecimradiatus
LA

Pa seua

KH

Tray kontrop khla

TH

Pla suaeVN

Ca huong ven

Cá hường vện

JP
Remarks

Basic Information
It is distributed in Mekong delta (Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam).

It is 24cm long with 4 to 5

distinct vertical black stripes. It is served fried, roasted,
and in soup.

175

2010.Feb.16 Lak2 Market,
Champasak, Laos

Reference
秋道智彌・黒倉寿 編（2008）人と魚の自然誌 母なるメコン河に生きる．世界思想社．
石毛直道・ケネス,ラドル（1987）東南アジアの魚醤 -魚の発酵製品の研究(5)-．国立民族学博物館研究報告，vol.12-2：235-314．国立
民族学博物館．
石毛直道・ケネス,ラドル（2009）魚醤とナレズシの研究．岩波書店．
岩田明久・大西信弘・木口由香（2003）南部ラオスの平野部における魚類の生息場利用と住民の漁労活動．アジア・アフリカ地域研究，3:51-86．
川那部浩哉・水野信彦・細谷和海（2002）山渓カラー名鑑

日本の淡水魚．山と渓谷社．

河野博 編（2001）東南アジア市場図鑑 魚貝篇．弘文堂．
環境省自然環境局野生生物課（2003）改訂・日本の絶滅のおそれのある野生生物－レッドデータブック－4 汽水・淡水魚類．自然環境研究センター．
多紀保彦（1993）魚が語る地球の歴史．技報堂出版．
多紀保彦

監・自然環境研究センター

編著（2008）日本の外来生物．平凡社．

多紀保彦（2012）世界で出逢った魚と人と旨いもの －わが魚類研究の軌跡－．五葉書房．
中坊徹次 編（2013）日本産魚類検索 全種の同定 第三版．東海大学出版会．
山崎浩二・阿部正之（2007）最新図鑑 熱帯魚アトラス．平凡社．
Davidson, A.（2003）Fish and Fish Dishes of Laos．Prospect Books．
Kottelat, M.（2001）Fishes of Laos．WHT Publications (Pte) Ltd．
Phia Sing.（2000）Traditional Recipes of Laos．Prospect Books．
Rainboth, W. J.（1996）FAO Species Identification Field Guide for Fishery Purposes．Fishes of theCambodian Mekong．Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations．
「Cultured Aquatic Species Information Programme Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes,
1844)」 http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Hypophthalmichthys_molitrix/en「Fish Base A Global Information System on Fishes 」 http://www.fishbase.org/home.htm

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