SIAMESE GIANT CARP / GIANT BARB

The Siamese giant carp or giant barb is the largest cyprinid species in the world, reportedly growing to 3m and 300kg.  In the wild it has become a critically endangered species primarily due to over fishing and the largest specimens are now only to be found in one of the many managed fisheries in Thailand.

With the arapaima the Siamese giant carp is the fish most sought after by our customers but they are proving to be a difficult species to target on a regular basis.  They seem to prefer sweet flavoured pop-ups or corn fished on the ledges in about 2-3m of water but they have also been taken on bread and pellet and exclusively off the bottom.  Feeding patterns are erratic – cooler water temperatures coupled with recent or ongoing rain appears to be the best conditions.  When hooked they will put up a very strong fight with long surging runs and just when you think it is beat, the fish will turn and run again.

With our Siamese carp especially we will take as much time as is required to let the fish recover in a cage with oxygenated water.  Given the size of our stock we also ask that you listen carefully to the guides’ advice over handling these fantastic fish as we no longer allow any fish to be lifted higher than its belly above the waterline.