Known from the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Maeklong basins (Ref. 26336). Reported from Bangkok (Ref. 1632), Tha Chin river, Pa Sak river (Sara Buri), Nakhon Sawan, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Ref. 37773). Migrates upstream from Sungkom District (Nong Khai Province) to Chiang Khong from May to July (Ref. 37770); most abundant at the central part. Found in large numbers in the upper part of the Ping River. Can be cultured both in ponds and in cages (Ref. 6459). One of the most important aquaculture species where naturaly occurring P. hypophthalmus are evidently extremely rare. Cultured fish (pla sawai in Thai) attain a maximum size of about 7 kg, while wild ones (called pla sooai in Issan) reportedly attain 50 kg (Ref. 9497). Also Ref. 7432, 37772, 37773.