Striped Catfish

{
  "id": "481cd7ae-468b-4bb3-bca6-1bb3fd9fd15f",
  "commonName": "Striped Catfish",
  "scientificName": "Pangasianodon hypophthalmus",
  "slug": "striped-catfish",
  "category": "freshwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Pla Suwai",
    "iridescent shark",
    "pangasius",
    "Mekong giant catfish",
    "Pla Buk (Thai)",
    "Pangasius",
    "Iridescent shark",
    "Tra"
  ],
  "description": "The striped catfish is a streamlined, muscular powerhouse built for riverine life, presenting a steely-grey to silvery flank marked by a distinctive, dark lateral stripe running the length of its body. Adults can exceed 100 pounds, but the trophies most anglers encounter range from 20 to 60 pounds—still formidable, torpedo-shaped fish with a deeply forked tail, wide, smooth head, and a large, underslung mouth. Its namesake stripes, usually two per side, are a dead giveaway in the water or in hand, though they may fade in larger specimens, leaving the fish a uniform battle-scarred grey. A key field marker is its pair of pronounced, whisker-like barbels, which it uses to probe the murky depths.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/striped-catfish/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) watercolor",
    "caption": "The striped catfish is a streamlined, muscular powerhouse built for riverine life, presenting a steely-grey to silvery flank marked by a distinctive, dark lateral stripe running the length of its body.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "332b5ef4-0fdb-4054-a11f-b81d9032c9e3",
      "name": "Juvenile",
      "slug": "juvenile",
      "description": "Young Striped Catfish are school-oriented and actively forage in the nutrient-rich, often murky waters of their native river systems. This phase is focused on rapid growth, utilizing their barbels to constantly probe for invertebrates and small prey in the substrate and water column.",
      "appearance": "Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, significantly smaller in size, typically under 10 inches. Coloration is a pale to medium grey on the flanks, often with a slight silvery sheen. The two dark, prominent lateral stripes are crisp, clearly defined, and run the entire length of the body from gill plate to caudal peduncle. The fins are typically darker, near-black, and the barbels are pronounced and conspicuous.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Large rivers, floodplains, and tributaries; often found in schools in shallower, productive areas with slower currents.",
      "anglersNote": "Often caught as bycatch or targeted with light tackle; provides excellent sport on appropriate gear and indicates healthy local populations.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    },
    {
      "id": "76239623-cc94-45b7-a3b9-b25907a90323",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The mature, trophy-phase Striped Catfish is a solitary or loosely grouped predator, patrolling deep river channels in search of substantial meals. This is the life stage of a powerful, migratory fish built for long-distance travel and dominating its riverine environment.",
      "appearance": "A large, muscular, and powerfully built torpedo-shaped fish. Coloration is a steely-grey to dark, uniform grey on the body, often with a silvery flank that can appear almost metallic. The namesake lateral stripes become faded, broken, or may disappear entirely in large trophy specimens, leaving a more uniform, battle-scarred grey appearance. The head is broad and smooth, the mouth is large and underslung, and the deeply forked tail is powerful. The barbels remain long and pronounced. Can exceed 100 pounds, with common trophy encounters in the 20-60 pound range.",
      "triggers": "Reaching a significant size and sexual maturity, leading to a more solitary, predatory lifestyle.",
      "habitat": "Deep, main river channels, confluences, and pools with strong current; often found near structural features like submerged logs or ledges.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the primary trophy phase for anglers, offering a brutal, deep-diving fight. Heavy tackle and fresh, strong-smelling baits are essential.",
      "displayOrder": 1,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:30:59.293Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "The Striped Catfish, also known as Pangasius, is a powerful freshwater fish with a distinctive dark lateral stripe. Anglers target trophy-sized adults in deep river channels.",
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  "ogDescription": "Meet the Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), a formidable freshwater fighter known for its dark lateral stripe and powerful build. Learn how to target these giants in deep river channels.",
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    "pla suwai",
    "iridescent shark",
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