what is pangasius fish

Pangasius is a genus of medium-large to very large shark catfishes native to fresh water in South and Southeast Asia. The term "pangasius" is sometimes used to specifically refer to the commercially important basa fish, P. bocourti. Pangasius fish, also known as Swai fish, Panga, Vietnamese Catfish, Basa Fish or Iridescent Shark, is a very popular freshwater fish. It is a white-fleshed fish with a mild taste and flaky texture. It has low-fat content and is often sold at a comparatively low price, making it very popular in the US. Pangasius fillets are pieces of pangasius with all bones and skin removed. Pangasius steaks are thick pieces of fish with a bone in the center and skin around the outside, which don’t need to be removed for cooking. Pangasius is farmed in Asia and is being used increasingly in food service. It is finding its way onto restaurant menus and into stores, as well, where one may see it called basa, tra, or swai.