Family

Bagridae

Local Name

Baung

English Name

Catfish

Scientific Name

Mystus sp.

Species

There are three species. Baung Kunyit (Mystus wyckii) the largest species but rarely found, Baung Sungai (M. nemurus) medium size and most commonly found, and Baung Akar (M. cavasius) the smallest species is rarely found.

Size

Size of Baung Sungai between 10 - 25 centimetres and weighs 200 g to 1 kg. Baung Kunyit can reach a length of 65.0 cm and weighs over 7.00 kg.

Morphology

Presence of 4 pairs of barbels on the head, dorsal and pectoral spines. Baung Sungai, dark in colour, Baung Kunyit, yellowish, and Baung Akar brownish.

Biology

Diet consists of fish, shrimps and insects

Distribution

Confined to rivers and areas near the river mouth and also the littoral area

Economic Importance

One of the dominant species landed by fishermen. Market price is between RM6.00 to RM8.00. Has potential in aquaculture especially in pond and cage culture