Basa (fish)
Basa is a freshwater catfish species, scientifically named *Pangasius bocourti*, in the shark-catfish family Pangasiidae.
Basa is a freshwater catfish native to Southeast Asia. It is widely farmed and sold as a white fish fillet.
Taxonomy and naming
Basa belongs to the shark-catfish family Pangasiidae. Its accepted scientific name is *Pangasius bocourti*. It is a distinct species of catfish, often marketed simply as basa.
Native range and habitat
The species is native to freshwater systems in Mainland Southeast Asia, specifically the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. It occurs in river environments rather than marine habitats.
Aquaculture and market use
Basa is an important aquaculture species, commonly raised for commercial sale. It is marketed internationally as a mild, white-fleshed fish, often sold as fillets in grocery stores and seafood markets.
In short
- Basa is a species of catfish in the family Pangasiidae.
- It is native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins.
- It is widely farmed as a food fish.
- It is often sold as white fish fillets.
Basa is sold in Canadian seafood markets and grocery stores as an imported white fish, so Canadian readers may encounter it as a farmed Southeast Asian catfish used in everyday cooking.
Quick questions
What is basa fish?
Is basa the same as catfish?
Where does basa come from?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basa_(fish)Supports: Scientific name, family, freshwater habitat, and native range.
- Birds Eye — https://www.birdseye.co.uk/our-sustainable-path/captain's-fish-finder/basaSupports: Freshwater catfish identity, native river basins, and aquaculture use.
- Chefs Resources — https://www.chefs-resources.com/seafood/finfish/basa-fish/Supports: Common culinary description and Southeast Asian origin.