Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Iridescent Shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
3785 Litres (1000 US G.)
120-130 cm (47.2-51.2")
Freshwater
6.5 - 7.5
22 -26 °C (71.6-78.8°F)
2-29 °d
1:1 M:F
8-15 years
Family
Pangasiidae
Contents
Additional names
- Iridescent Shark, Sutchi Catfish, Pangasius Cat, ID Shark, Mystic Shark
Additional scientific names
- Pangasius sutchi, Pangasius hypophthalmus
Origin
- Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Maeklong basins. Introduced into additional river basins for aquaculture.
Sexing
- Males have darker stripes and are more slender than females.
Tank compatibility
- This is an extra large fish that is NOT ideal for home aquaria, but is unfortunately sold in many fish stores as small juveniles. Due to its large size it needs several hundred US gallons with a huge filtration system. They're also very skittish fish, need very heavy secure tank lids and plenty of lateral swimming space, they can injure themselves if spooked in too small of a tank.
Diet
- Omnivores. Eating small pellets while juveniles, as they grow they prefer meaty foods, this includes any tank mates small enough to fit in their mouths!
Feeding regime
- As they grow they become nocturnal feeders and will prefer to eat in the evening after lights out.
Environment specifics
- Very large tanks or tropical ponds with large expanses of swimming room in a quiet location. No sharp objects must be in the tank.
Behaviour
- Skittish nervous fish. Prefers to be in groups. Can panic if startled and even jump out the water.
Identification
- Glittery silver when young, darkening to a grey with a white belly as it grows. Shark-like swimming. Albino variation is also available.[1] Not to be mistaken for its larger cousin Pangasius sanitwongsei or Paroon Shark.
Species Note
- The Iridescent Shark is proving a very popular hit in the west as a food fish and is being imported for wet fish counters in large numbers, it has been reported that it has been out-selling Rainbow Trout in the UK! It is farmed extensively in Asia for food.[2]
Pictures
References
- ↑ Planet Catfish.com: Image of Adult Albino Pangasius
- ↑ Practical Fishkeeping Article, Matt Clarke: 20.1.2009
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
