Tapah Fish, Borneo's River Monster, Favorite of Anglers

Tapah fish is a freshwater fish with very large dimensions. Often known as the Wallago, some call it the Borneo River Monster because of its enormous size compared to other fish in Borneo River waters.

The name of Tapah is taken from the name of the city in Perak, Indonesia, which is known to be the place where many Wallago attu are found. In the region there are indeed many of these fish found in rivers.

At first glance, tapah fish looks similar to catfish but with very large dimensions. This is because tapah fish and catfish are in the same family Siluridae. Mature tapah fish have the smallest dimensions of 120 centimeters with a maximum length of 240 centimeters. On the other hand, its body weight can reach 50 kilograms.

Tapah Fish Habitat and Foods

This fish commonly lives in rivers in parts of Asia, especially Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and of course Indonesia. You can find this fish in large, deep rivers with slow flowing water. Tapah fish can also be found in dams and other freshwater habitats. However, it likes to breed in shallow streams. Tapah fish reproduce by oviparous or egg-laying methods. Tapah fish spawn heavily during the rainy season.

Tapah fish are carnivores that eat many other aquatic animals that are smaller than them. Some specimens were found to have eaten amphibians, small mammals, shrimp, and smaller fish. However, this fish does not eat much. Tapah fish only eat one to two meals a week. This fish is very ferocious. Therefore, you must be on guard if you encounter this fish.

Ikan Tapah Sang Monster Sungai Kalimantan, Favorit Pemancing Ikan

Anglers with Tapah Fish

Tapah Fish Benefits for Heart Health

According to the IUCN Red List, the tapah fish is listed as vulnerable to extinction. This is due to the high consumption of tapah fish by residents near the river.

It is not only a favorite among anglers. Tapah fish is also edible and believed to have rich nutrition. Not only that, but tapah fish is also said to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids that are good for maintaining a healthy human heart.