Iridescent shark

Iridescent Shark

The Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a species of shark that is native to the rivers of Southeast Asia. Despite its name, it is not a true shark, but rather a species of catfish. It is also known as the Sutchi Catfish or Striped Catfish and is one of the most popular aquarium fish due to its unique iridescent color.

Description

The Iridescent Shark is characterized by its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and the distinctive iridescent color that gives it its name. The color can range from a dark gray to a light silver, and the fish has a distinctive glow when viewed under certain light conditions. The Iridescent Shark can grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh up to 44 kg.

Habitat and Distribution

The Iridescent Shark is native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers in Southeast Asia. It prefers large, fast-flowing rivers and is often found in deep water. The species has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Europe, for the purpose of aquaculture.

Diet

The Iridescent Shark is an omnivore, feeding on a diet of algae, plankton, and small invertebrates. In captivity, they are often fed a diet of commercially prepared fish food.

In the Aquarium

The Iridescent Shark is a popular choice for home aquariums due to its unique color and active behavior. However, due to its large size and active nature, it requires a large tank and plenty of room to swim. It is also a social species and prefers to be kept in groups.

Conservation Status

The Iridescent Shark is currently listed as Data Deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to a lack of data on its population size and trends. However, it is known that the species is heavily exploited for the aquarium trade and for food in its native range.

See Also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species
• Aquaculture in Southeast Asia