After a year of research, the Fishery and Aquaculture Department of Can Tho University have successfully cooperated with An Giang Fisheries Development Center to use a hormone that once injected into Leo catfish stimulates the production of eggs, a project that has been supported by An Giang Department of Science and Technology.

Reproduction of Leo catfish

This precious fish breed has traditionally been fished in the Mekong Delta for its tasty meat, providing a great income to the people; however, numbers are dwindling and the fish are soon in danger of becoming extinct in the area.
 
The catfish can often be found in the naturally deep rivers of the Mekong Delta, where they feed on smaller fish and shrimps at night. 
 
An adult Leo catfish can reach anywhere between 80 to 200 centimeters in length. This kind of fish are exported in fresh or frozen products at a usual price of VND100,000 to VND120,000 (approximately US$7.5) per kilo.