Blue Mahseer – Stracheyi Mahseer – Thai Fish Species
Species: Neolissochilus stracheyi.
Common name: Stracheyi Mahseer, Blue Mahseer. Thai Name: Pla Puang.
Distribution in Asia: from Myanmar through Thailand and possibly to the Cardamon Range, Salween, Maeklong and Chao Phraya peninsular in the Southeast Thailand river systems.
Habitat: Blue Mahseer leve in the same locations as Thai Mahseer; clear forested streams and rivers, and like to stay close to rapids. Which afford the shy and elusive Mahseer plenty of cover, and use rocky bottoms for breeding.
Blue Mahseer
When human activities degrade aquatic habitats; it will disappear as seen in other members of the genus. It has 9 branched dorsal-fin rays, presence of a black lateral stripe smooth and non-osseous last simple dorsal ray; a large patch of tubercles on the side of its snout and below the eye; post-labial groove interrupted medially. They can change color according to the surroundings, in bright surroundings they will often be in golden color, and they can be very dark if the surroundings have shade. But many times their color is described as bronze back and silvery belly. The omnivorous Mahseer in Thailand feeds like other types of carp, they eat not only algae, crustaceans, insects, frogs, and other fish, but also fruits that fall from trees overhead, at times consuming toxic fruits in flooded forests, making them temporarily inedible
Size: attains weights approaching 7 kg (15,5lbs.) with a maximum length of 70 cm.
Fishing method: The angler will need to venture to some of the densest jungles and remote locations in search of one of this most prized of freshwater fishes; by using fly fishing or lure fishing techniques. Our experience is that fly fishing is the most productive way in the rivers; because by using this technique, it is easier to present the bait without spooking the fish.
Sexing: There is no visible difference between the sexes, except that the female is larger than the male