Iridescent shark catfish

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Striped silver-blue juveniles become grey, metre-scale adults.

A laterally flattened body has a forked tail and long-based anal fin. The juvenile's two dark stripes fade in large grey-silver adults.

Natural habitat: Inhabits open water in main river channels and larger tributaries.

Startled or confined fish may collide with glass or decor. Secure covers and open routes matter.

Appearance and identification

This is a catfish, not a marine shark. Pangasius sanitwongsei develops elongated leading soft rays in the dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins.

Needs large lifelong facilities, oxygenation and water movement.

Dense planting cannot make up for adult swimming space or collision risk.

Provide complete pellets and suitable varied foods, including more plant material as fish grow.

An active open-water fish.

Small tankmates may be eaten.

Sources