Iridescent Shark

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Also known as: Pangasius Catfish, Sutchi Catfish

Sold as a cute silver 'shark', this catfish reaches three feet and is a skittish wall-basher.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

6.5–7.5

Hardness

4–18 dGH

Max size

39 in

Min tank

300 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Schooling (3+)

Swim level

All

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

15-20 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Kept but not recommended

Origin

Mekong basin, Southeast Asia

Iridescent sharks are food-farm fish that grow to a meter, spook easily and injure themselves on tank walls, and are utterly unsuited to home aquariums. We list it precisely so buyers learn the truth before purchasing.