
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
A large Southeast Asian catfish with a silvery body and large eyes. Sold as juveniles only a few centimetres long, it grows quickly to a maximum of 130cm and cannot be housed for life in an ordinary home aquarium.
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus is a large pangasiid catfish of the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Maeklong basins. FishBase records a maximum of 130cm SL and 44kg, and the species has been introduced to other river basins for aquaculture. Juveniles are silver with two dark longitudinal bands and swim constantly in open midwater. Only small juveniles enter the aquarium trade, but growth is rapid and a home aquarium soon offers too little swimming space for the fish's size, leaving it prone to injuring itself against the glass when startled. FishBase gives its environmental range as pH 6.5-7.5 and 22-26C. The IUCN Red List assessed it as Endangered in 2011. Anyone considering this species should first confirm they can house it for its entire life.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Iridescent Shark grows to Up to 130cm.
The ideal temperature for the Iridescent Shark is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Maeklong basins
Size
Up to 130cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Large sinking pellets, frozen foods
Sources: FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: EN, 2011)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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A very large tank or pond matched to its adult size is required. It is a strong open-water swimmer that collides with the glass when startled, so screening and subdued lighting help.
FishBase gives pH 6.5-7.5 and 22-26C. Heavy feeding means powerful filtration and frequent water changes are essential.
Any fish small enough to swallow will be eaten. Only large, peaceful species of comparable size are suitable.
Omnivorous and takes large sinking pellets readily. Growth is rapid, so avoid overfeeding.
Produced in huge numbers by induced spawning in aquaculture, but it cannot be bred in an ordinary aquarium.
Reaching 130cm, it is difficult to keep for life in a home aquarium. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Endangered.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Iridescent Shark is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Iridescent Shark typically reaches Up to 130cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Iridescent Shark feeds on: Large sinking pellets, frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Iridescent Shark varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026