Freshwater

Sebarau (hampala barb, jungle perch of Malaysia)

Sebarau (barbo hampala)

Hampala macrolepidota

Freshwater

At a glance

Typical size

1–4 lb.

Depth

2–20 ft.

Best time

Daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon.

Found in

2 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: A silver predatory barb (a carp, not a perch) with large scales, a pointed head, red-orange fins and a red tail edged in black; most fish have a black vertical bar under the dorsal fin. Called sebarau in Malaysia, where anglers call it the "jungle perch".
Typical size: 1–4 lb.
Maximum size: About 2 ft and 15 lb (6.8 kg).
Diet: Small fish, insects and shrimp.
Behavior: An aggressive predator that hunts in river runs and along lake edges, slashing at lures.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam) and Indonesia (Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, Sulawesi). Clear forest rivers, reservoirs and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia (Kenyir, Temenggor, Pedu), Indonesia and the Mekong.
Habitat: Clear forest rivers, reservoirs and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia (Kenyir, Temenggor, Pedu), Indonesia and the Mekong.
Depth: 2–20 ft.
Fishing depth: 2–10 ft.
Best season: All year; the dry months give the clearest water.
Best time: Daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Best tides: No tide in fresh water; rising or steady water levels after rain are usually best.
Best weather / conditions: Warm, stable weather; the build-up before the wet season and calm, overcast days are excellent. Heavy rain muddies the water.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

Also at Bass Pro Shops: Rod Reel Line Lures Plastics Hooks Box

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Clear forest rivers, reservoirs and lakes of Thailand, Malaysia (Kenyir, Temenggor, Pedu), Indonesia and the Mekong.
Rig up: 6–7 ft light spinning or baitcasting rod. 15–20 lb fluorocarbon.
Pick your bait: Small live fish and shrimp. Lures: Small spoons, spinners, minnows and poppers.
Fish it: Cast small spoons and minnows along fallen trees, rocky points and river runs, retrieving fast.
Time it: Daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon. No tide in fresh water; rising or steady water levels after rain are usually best.

Fishing techniques: Cast small spoons and minnows along fallen trees, rocky points and river runs, retrieving fast.
BigJoe's tip: Sebarau and giant snakehead share the same lakes; a small spoon catches both.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Good eating when fresh.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Tasty but bony; fried crisp or in curries.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Harmless to handle; watch for leeches, hornets and slippery logs in the jungle.
Regulations: Lake and park rules differ (for example, parts of Lake Kenyir are sanctuaries). Check local rules. Rules differ by country: many lakes, reservoirs and fishing parks sell day permits, national parks and marine sanctuaries restrict or ban fishing, and some species are protected. Fish with licensed operators and check local rules.
Conservation: Keep only what you'll eat and release the big breeders; wet your hands, support the fish's belly and get it back in the water fast.

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Sources & photo credits