CATFISH SPECIES:

  • Chao Phraya Catfish
  • Chao Phraya Catfish
  • Giant Seacatfish
  • Grey Eel Catfish
  • Hemibagrus Wyckii
  • Hemibagrus Wyckioides
  • Mekong Giant Catfish
  • Salween Shovelnose
  • Shark Catfish
  • Striped Catfish
  • Thai African Catfish
  • Thickspined Catfish
  • Truncated Estuarine
  • Walking Catfish, African

SNAKEHEAD SPECIES:

  • Dwarf Snakehead
  • Giant Snakehead
  • Great Snakehead
  • Splendid Snakehead
  • Striped Snakehead

FEATHERBACK SPECIES

OTHER SPECIES

  • Alligator Gar
  • Pacu
  • Arapaima
  • Suckermouth Catfish
  • Barramundi
  • Boeseman Croaker 1
  • Boeseman Croaker 2
  • Fourfinger Threadfin
  • Freshwater garfish
  • Giant Gourami
  • Mangrove Jack
  • Marbled Goby
  • Nandid Tiger Perch
  • Northern Paradise Fish
  • Pacu
  • Parambassis siamensis
  • Swamp Eel
  • Tilapia Nile & Java
  • Tilapia, Blotched Red
  • Wrestling Halfbeak


The Big Head Carp

The Big Head carp is a common species native to Thailand, and SE Asia. The Big Head Carp is present in most of Thailand's River systems, lakes and reservoirs, as well as the majority of Thailand's Fishing Parks, but is rarely targeted by anglers as a species, rather it tends to fall to tactics used whilst targeting some of Thailand's larger carp species, such as the Giant Siamese Carp.

A Big Head Carp caught in the far north of Thailand.

Current IGFA All Tackle Record:

40.82 kgs/90lbs. Guntersville Lake, Tennesee, USA.

Other common names:

  • Tongsan
  • Bighead
  • Aristichthys nobilis

Identification:

Fine silver to dark grey scales often with a slight pinkish tone to the underside when the fish is young, but scales darken as the fish matures, adult colouring depends on the water quality. Lower Jaw protruding. Small, dark protruding eyes set slightly downwards.  In many ways it more closely resembles a sea dwelling species, than a freshwater fish.

Dimensions:

Weights of over 100LB have been recorded, measuring up to 130cm nose to tail.

Baits & Tactics:

Rarely targeted, tends to fall to tactics used for other species, but as the Big Head Carp generally is found near the bottom of a water, ledgered or feeder tactics tend to work best with typical Thai baits such as sticky rice, lum and bread.

Fighting Characteristics:

Not recognised as having any unique fighting qualities, the Big Head Carp does not possess very large fins, nor does it grow to huge sizes compared to some other Thai fish Species, which is why its not widely targeted, although as with many Thai Fish species it will put up a spirited fight on light tackle.

Catch Report:

Not a species that is often targeted, but can be caught often in nearly all of Thailand's fishing parks. Larger specimens are hard to come by, catches of 10kg to 15kg are quite common.

Venues:

Follow the venue links below to find out where you can catch the Big Head Carp.