Pangasius krempfi was first described by Fang and Chaux in 1949.[3] It is a medium to large-sized fish characterized by its streamlined body typical of the genus Pangasius.[6]
The species has 1 dorsal spine, 6-7 dorsal soft rays, 4 anal spines, and 31-34 anal soft rays. The body depth is 4.5-5.0 times in standard length. The body of Pangasius krempfi is dark blackish-gray on the dorsal (top) and lateral (sides) surfaces, transitioning to silver-gray on the abdomen. The fins are lightly yellow in color. The dorsum (upper body) exhibits a sky-blue hue, but this species lacks the submarginal caudal-fin stripes typical of some other Pangasius species. Additionally, it does not feature a humeral spot, a characteristic found in certain other members of the genus.[7]
The teeth of Pangasius krempfi are notable for their arrangement: the vomerine teeth are separate at the midline but are joined to the palatine teeth on each side, forming long crescentic patches. The species also possesses 18-22 gill rakers on the first gill arch.[7]
