The Eye-catching Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

The iridescent shark aka iridescent catfish is a very large freshwater fish that only the most prepared aquarists should keep. Despite their shark-like appearance and massive size, Iridescent Sharks (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) are actually a species of scaleless freshwater catfish in the Pangasiidae family. The word ‘shark’ on its own is enough to send chills down peoples’ spines. The fear for this large predatory fish is somewhat lost on the iridescent shark, just like the red tail sharks. The Iridescent Shark is one of the most impressive freshwater fish in the aquarium trade, but did you know these shiny schoolers can grow from 3-inches to over 4-feet long at maturity? Iridescent sharks, also known as the siamese shark or sutchi catfish, are a species of catfish native to Southeast Asia and Thailand.
In this video, we cover everything you need to know about iridescent shark care. Ideal food, compatible tank mates, their growth rate, and more. You’ll be an expert by the time you’re finished view this!
00:00 Intro
00:32 Iridescent Shark Habitat in the wild
01:33 Iridescent Shark Information
02:17 Iridescent Shark Difficulties In Keeping
03:12 Iridescent Shark Keeping In a Tank
05:17 Iridescent Shark Feeding
05:54 Iridescent Shark Tank Mates
06:28 Iridescent Shark Breeding
- Scientific Name Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
- Family Pangasiidae
- Common Names: Iridescent shark, iridescent shark catfish, pangasius catfish, siamese shark, sutchi catfish
- Ease of keeping: Easy
- Lifespan: 20 years and more
- Tank size: 220 gallons and more
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Tank type: Community of large fishes
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Temperature: 22-30 °C (72-86 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- Water hardness: 9-20 dGH
- Size: Up to 130 cm (4.3 ft)
Do you keep Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)? Let us know your experience with them in the comments section below…
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[@EMTBAFV]

Poor guys stressed out in that tiny tank!. Breaking my heart to watch!. I've kept one for the past 7 years I've just got him his new tank as he's getting big now but started off like this maybe smaller but he's now really dark grey he's a great boy love him so much!

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Thank you for your comment and feedback. I appreciate your concern for the well-being of the fish in my videos. I understand that the aquarium I used for filming may have appeared small, but please rest assured that it was only used for a short time and the fish were quickly returned to their spacious and appropriate tanks. I'm glad to hear that you have provided your iridescent shark with a proper sized tank and have enjoyed keeping it for the past seven years. It's important to prioritize the health and well-being of our aquatic pets and I strive to promote ethical practices in the hobby through my content.

[@A1A2A3L]

Well and simply explained. I have 10 of them in 500 litre tank planning to buy a bigger thank for them. Very peacefull but easily scared

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Great to hear!

[@MrsTiaRani]

Thanks for the advice! I have just taken on 2 iridescent sharks from a friend.. they live in a 500l tank but i am looking for a bigger one, they also live with a sail fin plec, a small bristle nose plec, a yoyo loach and a sun cat fish. Both sharks were happy for the first few weeks but now one of them seems stressed and i am trying to trouble shoot - hence finding your video. Nice info about their diet - i will defintely be adding a larger variety of food now!

[@AquaWorldInfo]

You're welcome! It's great that you're actively looking out for your iridescent sharks and the other fish in your tank. Stress in fish can be caused by various factors, including water quality and tankmates. Make sure to monitor water parameters regularly and consider providing hiding spots and ample swimming space in the new tank. If the stress continues, consult with a local fish expert or vet for further advice. Best of luck with your aquarium and the well-being of your fish! 🐟🌿

[@tameejohnson2728]

I have 2 irredecent sharks.they were the size of my pinkie and grew up with big goldfish. My large goldfish passed away cause the goldfish were very old. They seemed depressed and would'nt eat. I bought a couple new baby goldfish and then I found out that they might eat the small goldfish I added to there tank. To my surprise they protected them and waited for the baby goldfish to eat there food first and looked for scrapes afterwards. When l learned that my sharks/catfish were omnivores I bought a couple very small minnows and my 2 sharks did not eat them. The minnows lived and to my surprise the little goldfish started attacking the minnows and my irredecents tried protecting them from the goldfish!! Sounds crazy right ??? The growing goldfish eventually picked the baby minnows to death but the sharks NEVER ate any of their little floating parts. 1 week after that happened the sharks became active and started eating the food for the goldfish as if to say how date you eat another fish or family member! Then they would literally suck in into their mouths and spit it out of the tank. Within a week after the death of the small minnows (desperate for food)..the gold fish died and the sharks watched me fish the dead goldfish out and they have not eaten anything I put in their tank. They seem like they feel guilty for staying the killer goldfish but they were raised by some very big goldfish that were vegetarians and I think my sharks are vegetarian to. I got lots of video on them . So if anyone has similar experiences let me know. Thank you. Or do I just own 2 irredecent sharks that broke the mold cause they were great full to the huge goldfish I had that looked at them like babies and not feeder food. Those old goldfish would never eat any tiny fish I put in their tank like experts said...get them Feeder fish. They will eat them..they never did.. Thank God for my loving (so called omnivore irredecent sharks) that have been with me and loving creatures for over 5 years now.

[@tameejohnson2728]

So anyways sorry for the very long comment but the bottom line is they're not eating veggies they're not eating their flakes they're not eating anything I've turned lights out and try to give them space but I think they feel very very guilty but I need to find something I've done all kinds of food they used to eat those big red pellets they used to eat flake food and they're not doing anything right now they're not eating I think they feel really bad but all the regular food and everything I've tried to put in there they're just refusing to eat and their tank water is great there's no parasites nothing nothing has changed except they saw the death of those minnows cuz the Goldfish tore them apart and like I said they didn't even try and eat any of the leftover body parts so his impossible for a catfish to be vegetarian because they were raised by vegetarian goldfish? Like I said I got lots of videos so maybe my fish need to be studied cuz sometimes maybe they're more intelligent than people think they are thank you for any comment and I don't need any comments but if you can give advice because I don't want to lose my sharks I need to find something to trigger them to start eating cuz they're getting very thin but like I said their water is healthy and clean and I just need some help from any ones that are experts on these kind of fish thank you and I would appreciate it so much

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It sounds like you have a unique and interesting situation with your iridescent sharks. It's not uncommon for fish to form strong bonds with their tankmates, and it's possible that your iridescent sharks have developed a sense of loyalty or attachment to the goldfish they were raised with. It's also possible that they are simply picky eaters and are refusing to eat certain types of food. If your iridescent sharks are not eating and are getting thin, it's important to try to identify the cause and take action to address it. Here are a few things you can try: Make sure the water conditions in the tank are optimal. This includes maintaining the proper temperature, pH, and water quality. Offer a variety of different types of food. Iridescent sharks are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Try offering a mix of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia. Consider using a feeding stimulant. Some fish owners have had success using products like Garlic Guard or Aqua-Mox to encourage finicky eaters to start eating again. Consult with a veterinarian or a fish specialist. If you are unable to identify the cause of your fish's lack of appetite and are concerned about their health, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a professional. I hope this helps! If you have any specific questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@ApurvThapa3333]

Thanks man,i have one of those fish

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Cool 👍

[@EMTBAFV]

Mine went in with an angel fish 7 years ago and the both of them are like best mates always together in the tank think the angle thinks it's a catshark haha! The eye sight isn't as bad as people make out that's for sure! Bloodworm are their favourite! And a good flake! It won't really eat all that was mentioned you'll just need to clean your tank more! Mine is fussy eater bloodworm and flakes it's hoovering the bottom of the tank honestly should have called him Dyson! Haha

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It's great to hear that your iridescent shark has bonded with your angel fish and that they are getting along well together. It's always heartwarming to see different species of fish forming friendships in the aquarium. It's also interesting to hear that your iridescent shark has a strong appetite for bloodworms and flakes, and is often found "hoovering" the bottom of the tank. As with all fish, it's important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. It's good to keep in mind that overfeeding or feeding too many types of food can lead to excess waste and poor water quality, so it's important to feed in moderation and maintain good aquarium hygiene. Thanks for sharing your experience with your iridescent shark and angel fish. It's always great to hear about the different personalities and behaviors of these amazing creatures in the hobby!

[@drsarojshekharrath6468]

Wow

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Thank you

[@_Srinivas_]

*Interesting* *Video* 💜💜💜

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Thank you

[@ThePsantos2397]

i have one in my 110 gallon. when i was a kid my parents had them in their 55 gallon and when we lost power we thought they died when the power came back on but however we added warmer water to the tank and they started swimming like nothing ever happened. their panic attacks are funny , sometimes i can predict it

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Wow, that's an interesting experience! It's amazing how resilient these iridescent sharks can be. It must have been quite a relief to see them bounce back after the power outage. 😄 It's funny how they have their little panic attacks - it's all part of their unique personality, I suppose. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@arthursfishandchickens4368]

In my opinion, instead of a 220 gallon, these guys need a 300 minimum for one just because of hiw active my 2 ft iridescent sharks are in my pond, but I do mostly agree with everything else in the vid

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It's great that you're observing your fish closely and ensuring they have the space they need! Iridescent sharks, being large and active swimmers, do indeed require substantial tank sizes to thrive. Larger tanks like a 300-gallon setup can provide them with more swimming space, reduce stress, and support their overall well-being. Providing ample room for these active fish is crucial for their health, so your consideration for a larger tank is commendable!

[@simjaywon7772]

we have 1 of this that has a broken tail and we separated it to a tank that has no oxygen and is kinda dirty, will they live?

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Yes.

[@Gatt772]

Would it kill you to say inch instead of meters or gallons instead of liters or maybe Fahrenheit instead of Celsius ??

[@AquaWorldInfo]

I appreciate your feedback! I'll make sure to include both metric and imperial units in my future videos. Thanks for watching!

[@orbex9365]

yestarday I bought 2 of these one black and another one white about the size of my little finger, the black one's left eye started bleeding IDK why? it panicks a lot. I've kept both of them in a 2.3 gallon tank with a betta and a neon tetra. can someone suggest me how can I cure that bleeding eye? and any other suggestion as well?

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It sounds like your iridescent shark may be experiencing some distress, possibly due to the small tank size and incompatible tankmates. A 2.3-gallon tank is much too small for iridescent sharks, which can grow quite large and require spacious tanks to thrive. Additionally, bettas are known to be aggressive and may attack other fish, causing injury and stress. Neon tetras prefer to be kept in groups and may also be stressed in such a small tank with incompatible tankmates. To address the bleeding eye and improve the overall health of your fish, it's crucial to provide them with a larger tank with appropriate filtration and water parameters. Consider rehoming the iridescent sharks to a suitable environment where they can grow and thrive. In the meantime, closely monitor water quality, perform regular water changes, and consider adding aquarium salt to the water to help promote healing. Seek advice from a local fish store or aquatic veterinarian for further assistance.

[@devonhutchings6900]

2.3 gallon wtf 😂

[@mahirfaysal9661]

I have a 2 ft long tank with a internal power filter. Can I put a pair of small shark (2inch) on my tank?

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Yes you can put in 2 feet tank

[@lordjohnny2026]

Don't do it man they grow massive. If their diet is good enough they can reach up to 1 foot in length in a year.

[@AquaWorldInfo]

But for now two feet is enough.

[@superdragon3060]

@@lordjohnny2026 they get 3ft usualy a 2ft long tank will last For less than half a year the 10x4ft im building is very small For one but il probably rescue from bad fish tanks

[@banditfishing1558]

No you definitely can’t. It will out grow it in 3 months

[@Velka-.-]

One more thing to consider They're catfish so they can possibly sting you, but they're not venomous.

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, or Mekong giant catfish, do not have venom or stingers and they are not capable of stinging humans. However, they have sharp dorsal fins and pectoral fins that can potentially cause injury if the fish is handled improperly. It's not usual for humans to handle this fish as they are critically endangered and should be protected. It's not safe to handle them without the proper knowledge and equipment.

[@RASHROCKS.]

@@AquaWorldInfo bro just now my shark sting me blood came I having itich sensation for 1 day bruh

[@AquaWorldInfo]

I'm sorry to hear that your shark stung you! It's important to be careful when handling any aquatic animal, including iridescent sharks. I would recommend seeking medical attention if you're experiencing any persistent symptoms or discomfort. In the future, it's important to take proper precautions when handling these animals to avoid any potential harm. Thanks for watching my video and I hope you have a speedy recovery!

[@AquaWorldInfo]

The Iridescent Shark, also known as the Pangasius catfish, is not venomous. However, like all catfish, it has spines on its dorsal and pectoral fins that can cause injury if mishandled. These spines are not venomous, but they can be sharp and cause cuts or puncture wounds.

[@RASHROCKS.]

@@AquaWorldInfo thanks bro

[@vincentkurniawan9217]

I have a question can iredescent shark live with crayfish?

[@AquaWorldInfo]

crayfish can't technically live with anything because when they molt they are extremely vulnerable to being killed unless they can hide for the duration of the molt. then if a cray can catch a fish, it could kill a fish also. it's one way or the other there are no suitable tankmates long term for crayfish.

[@vincentkurniawan9217]

@@AquaWorldInfo ok thanks

[@Thushara_Amarasinghe]

I have iridescent shark baby i have two baby mion ciclids is that ok

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It is generally not recommended to keep iridescent sharks (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and cichlids together in the same tank. Iridescent sharks are native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins in Southeast Asia and can grow up to 4 feet in length, while cichlids are a diverse group of fish native to freshwater habitats in tropical and subtropical regions. Iridescent sharks are generally peaceful fish, but they are known to be highly territorial and may become aggressive towards other fish in the tank. Cichlids, on the other hand, are generally more aggressive and may attack smaller or slower-moving fish. It is important to consider the size, behavior, and compatibility of the fish you keep in your tank to ensure that they can coexist peacefully and have a good quality of life. When choosing fish for your tank, it is a good idea to research their specific care requirements and consider their compatibility with other species before introducing them to your tank. You may want to consider keeping your iridescent shark and cichlids in separate tanks to ensure their safety and well-being.

[@aaryansworld8982]

Bro my baby iridescent are not eating anything at all I've tried everything what to do

[@AquaWorldInfo]

It is important to identify the reason why your Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (also known as Mekong giant catfish) are not eating. Some possible causes could include: Water quality issues (such as high levels of ammonia or nitrite) Incorrect water temperature Stress from poor water conditions or lack of hiding places Disease or parasites Inadequate diet I recommend testing your water parameters and checking for any signs of disease or parasites. It's also a good idea to provide hiding places for the fish and to ensure that the water temperature is appropriate for the species. If the water conditions and temperature are suitable, try offering a variety of foods such as live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or krill. It's also a good idea to seek advice from a veterinarian or an experienced aquarist.

[@andreewremona]

can they live with oscar fish

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) are also large freshwater fish that can grow up to 18 inches in length, and they are known to be aggressive towards smaller fish in the aquarium. Iridescent sharks and oscar fish have different environmental requirements and behaviors, so they are not typically recommended to be kept together in the same aquarium. Iridescent sharks are active swimmers that require plenty of space to move around, while oscar fish are known to be territorial and may become aggressive towards tankmates. If you do decide to keep iridescent sharks and oscar fish together in the same aquarium, you will need a very large tank to accommodate both of them. You should also closely monitor their behavior and make sure they are not exhibiting any signs of aggression towards each other. It's always a good idea to research the specific requirements of each species before deciding to keep them together in the same tank.

[@lunachowdhury6979]

I have shark and I am from bangladesh

[@AquaWorldInfo]

nice to meet you

[@manshutkotian3899]

It

[@youtubemax7933]

Bro my sharks not growing from 8months i keep them in a 4x4 pond

[@AquaWorldInfo]

What you feed them?

[@youtubemax7933]

@@AquaWorldInfo optimum fish food

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Give them bloodworms, brine shrimps, feeder fish, and such live foods will give them the additional protein they need to stay healthy and grow fast!

[@youtubemax7933]

@@AquaWorldInfo bhai mere city me ye available nahi hai blood worms,brine shrimp wagara

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Bhai aap tubifex worms de sakte hai amzn.to/3OKINYb Ya prawns bhi de sakte he. Prawns ko small cut karke de sakte hai.

[@aaronharper5595]

I’ve often wondered why mine breathes rapidly but it’s other tank mates don’t, is this common for these shark catfish?

[@AquaWorldInfo]

Rapid breathing in fish can be a sign of stress, poor water quality, or a disease. Iridescent shark catfish are hardy species, but it's possible that the rapid breathing is related to water quality or disease. To determine the cause, it is recommended to perform a water test and check for any signs of illness. If necessary, consult an aquarium specialist.

[@aaronharper5595]

Thanks for the reply I have checked my water as I do regularly and is fine, so maybe he is stressed over something I’m unaware of but it’s only in the evenings when the lights are on which is odd…

[@jesusdiedforyouproofjohn3.16]

Praise the LORD for creating cool fish.