Man catches by cast net "black-chinned catfish" near Pattaya beach weighing over 15 kilograms, showcasing menu "steamed and fried" says it tastes like "tilapia"
Regarding the case of a Facebook user Start Channel which has more than 20,000 followers, posted a video showing a large number of "black-chinned catfish" near Pattaya beach, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, causing excitement among anglers, squid fishermen, and tourists who came to observe, raising questions about the spread of this fish species in the Pattaya sea area.
Most recently, on 15 May 2026, reporters met Mr. Start Unkayan, 40, the owner of the video. He had brought the black-chinned catfish he caught using a cast net near Pattaya beach, weighing over 15 kilograms, to prepare two dinner dishes: steamed black-chinned catfish with tomato dipping sauce, and crispy fried black-chinned catfish.
After cooking, Mr. Start tasted the dishes and said the fish meat's flavor is similar to tilapia, with a sweet taste and normally edible.
Mr. Start added that the previous night he went to cast net near Pattaya beach and caught about 10-15 kilograms of black-chinned catfish. He shared some with friends and kept some for cooking various dishes including frying, steaming, boiling, and grilling. He admitted he had never eaten black-chinned catfish before, but after trying it found the taste close to tilapia and experienced no unusual symptoms or side effects. The fish roe is slightly larger than tilapia's and has a rich flavor.