Occurs in Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Rai (Ref. 37773). Artificially reproduced fry from artificial breeding program by Department of Fisheries since the 1980s released in the Mekong, the Chao Phraya and natural waters in Thailand (Ref. 7432). Stocked in various reservoirs. Offspring attains a very quick growth, but unsuccesful to develop reproducing gonads in aquaculture condition (Ref. 43281). Highly priced food fish (Ref. 6459). Locally rare in the markets, but popular in pond culture. Threatened due to overfishing (Ref. 58784). Also Ref. 9448, 9648, 26336.

Status of threat: Critically Endangered (Ref. 58784).