Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

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Iridescent Shark Catfish.jpg
Iridescent Shark

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

3785 Litres (1000 US G.)

120-130 cm (47.2-51.2")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.5

22 -26 °C (71.6-78.8°F)

2-29 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-15 years

Family

Pangasiidae



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

External links