Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
(formerly Pangasius hypophthalmus or Pangasius sutchi)
Helicophagus hypophthalmus
Pangasius hypophthalmus
Common name
Iridescent shark
Striped catfish
Iridescent shark-catfish
Sutchi catfish
Origin
Origin: Thailand and Malaysia
Biotope: not specific
Dimorphism
None
Group
Pangasiidae
Volume
30000 L / 6600 imp gal / 8000 US gal
Parameters
T°: 23 to 28°C or 73 to 82°F
pH: 6.5 à 7
Hardness: 5 à 25°dGH
Difficulty
Hard
Size
more than 1.3 meters (50")
Longevity
30 years
Living zone
Everywhere
Individuals
4
Food
How to feed the Iridescent shark?
Food
How to feed the Iridescent shark?
The Striped catfish is an omnivorous fish. You can give it artemia, mussels, insect larvae, shrimp, bloodworms, seaweed (spirulina for example), pellets for ground-fish... There is a clear preference for live prey.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Iridescent shark have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Iridescent shark have?
This fish is peaceful but it is rather sharp (even nervous), so it needs space. It must be known that in its natural environment, it is a migratory fish that will travel long distances to breed. It is a very good swimmer who never stops moving!
It is gregarious and appreciates the presence of its congeners: form a group of at least 4 individuals.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Iridescent shark?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Iridescent shark?
All fish smaller than it will be prey, which greatly limits the possibilities of cohabitation.
Breeding
How to breed the Iridescent shark?
Breeding
How to breed the Iridescent shark?
Impossible in captivity. The specimens sold come from artificial fertilisation on farms or from samples taken in the wild.
Its pond
Which pond for the Iridescent shark?
Its pond
Which pond for the Iridescent shark?
The Iridescent shark-catfish, given its size and its lively temperament, will appreciate the very large ponds for maintenance in captivity (beware of the temperature): a group of 4 requires at least 30,000 liters (6600 Imp Gal or 8000 US Gal)! You understand that this species is by no means an aquarium fish. It’s, in most cases, impossible to maintain this fish for individuals: go to the public aquarium closest to you to admire them!
When it comes to the environment, choose sturdy plants that make it safe and reduce nervousness. Embellish some smooth rocks (to prevent it getting hurt).
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
In stores, it is found in the juvenile state, measuring only 5 to 10 cm or 2 to 4 inch.
However, captivity in the aquarium is a torture for this giant, who finds itself very quickly cramped in most configurations that are proposed. Indeed, after 2 years, it must normally be more than one meter or 40 inch! We recommend you giving up this fish, which will be better in nature!
There is an albino and golden variant of this fish:
Despite its name, it is related to siluriformes (catfish) and not to sharks.
In Asia, it is maintained to be consumed!
Yours photos!
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