Iridescent shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Demanding
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 2,000 L
- Maximum size
- 100 cm
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 3
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The iridescent shark from the Mekong is sold in shops as an attractive silvery fish of a few centimetres, but grows into a catfish of around a metre. It is the same species farmed on a huge scale as a food fish in South-East Asia.
It is also decidedly skittish and, when panicked, crashes into glass and decor, which causes injuries in an ordinary home aquarium. For nearly everyone this is not a suitable fish; choose something else, and if a pangasius outgrows your tank, contact a public aquarium or rehoming service.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.