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Species guide
Arapaima and Siamese carp fishing in Thailand
Arapaima and Siamese giant carp are two of the most popular species at Thailand’s fishing lakes. Here is what they are, how they are fished for at Loei Jungle Fishing Lake, and how we look after them.
The short answer
- Siamese giant carp (Catlocarpio siamensis) is a native Thai river fish and the target of classic carp tactics: lum (rice husk) method feeders, pellets and bread.
- Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) comes from the Amazon. In Thailand it lives only in stocked fishing lakes, and it is caught on dead bait.
- At our lake both are fished on supplied Shimano 12000D outfits with barbless Pallatrax hooks, to keep the fish in perfect condition.
Arapaima
The arapaima is native to the Amazon and Essequibo river basins in South America. It is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world: FishBase lists a maximum length of 4.5 m and a maximum published weight of 200 kg. It has been introduced to Thailand for sport fishing, so in Thailand you will only meet it in stocked lakes like ours.
Arapaima breathe air and regularly come up to the surface to gulp it, so you can often see where they are feeding. At the lake they are fished for with dead bait on strong tackle: if you bring your own rods, the minimum is 80 lb braid for predators.
Handling arapaima
Big arapaima are heavy and powerful. Lifting one high out of the water for a photo can injure it, so keep it supported in the water and follow Pond’s advice on the bank when you land one.
Siamese giant carp
The Siamese giant carp is native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong river systems of South-East Asia. FishBase gives a maximum weight of 300 kg. In the wild it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which is one more reason the lake uses barbless hooks and checks every rig.
Siamese carp are fished with classic carp tactics. Bait is supplied every day: lum (rice husk) and bread for feeders, plus pellets, boilies and corn. Your own rods need at least 50 lb braid for carp. A single firm strike sets the barbless hook, and we check drag settings so the fight is neither too hard nor too soft.
Arapaima vs Siamese carp at a glance
| Arapaima | Siamese giant carp | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Arapaima gigas | Catlocarpio siamensis |
| Native to | Amazon and Essequibo basins, South America | Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins |
| Status in the wild | Data Deficient (IUCN) | Critically Endangered (IUCN) |
| Maximum size recorded (FishBase) | 4.5 m, 200 kg | 300 kg |
| Bait at our lake | Dead bait | Lum, bread, pellets, boilies, corn |
| Minimum braid (own rods) | 80 lb | 50 lb |
Sources: FishBase species summaries for Arapaima gigas and Catlocarpio siamensis.
Rules that protect the fish
- Barbless hooks only: size 2 and 4 wide-gape Pallatrax Gripz. No trebles, multi-hook rigs, stainless steel or circle hooks. Hooks are checked before rods go in.
- Never leave rods unattended, and listen to Pond’s advice on the bank when a big fish is in the net.
Read the full fishing rules.
What else lives in the lake
Besides arapaima and Siamese carp, the lake holds Mekong giant catfish, alligator gar, red-tail catfish and many more, including species you can only catch here, such as golden mahseer and zebra shovelnose catfish. See the full species list.
Want to catch your first arapaima or Siamese carp? Rods, bait and help on the bank are included with every ticket.
Frequently asked questions
Are arapaima native to Thailand?
No. Arapaima are native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins in South America. In Thailand they are found in stocked fishing lakes.
Is the Siamese giant carp endangered?
Yes. The IUCN Red List classes the Siamese giant carp (Catlocarpio siamensis) as Critically Endangered in the wild.
What bait is used for arapaima?
Dead bait. It is supplied every day at Loei Jungle Fishing Lake, together with lum, bread and pellets for carp.
Do I need my own tackle?
No. Shimano 12000D reels and rods, Sonik rod pods and Fox bite alarms are included. Your own rods are welcome with at least 50 lb braid for carp and 80 lb braid for predators.
What hooks can I use?
Barbless hooks only: size 2 and 4 wide-gape Pallatrax Gripz. Treble hooks, multi-hook rigs, stainless steel hooks and circle hooks are not allowed, and hooks are checked before rods go in.