Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) aquaculture in Bangladesh: an overview

Abstract

Farming of the striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, is a major aquaculture activity in Bangladesh, particularly in the district of Mymensingh. However, pangasius farm management practices and the socio-economic impacts of pangasius farming systems in Mymensingh have not yet been adequately described in the literature. This article provides an overview of the present status and characteristics of pangasius culture in Bangladesh based on data from a study conducted in Mymensingh district during 2009. The mean productivity of pangasius was 36.9 MT ha-1, where 87.9% of the farms produced between 15 and 65 MT ha-1 of pangasius, with an additional 10-20% Indian major and Chinese carps and Nile tilapia. Pangasius aquaculture in Bangladesh has improved the economic and social status of a variety of stakeholders in communities where the fish is farmed.