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| General Information: |
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The Iridescent shark is a species of fish that has become more frequent to the average hobbyist within the last several years, this breed of fish while striking on display is not very suitable to the home aquarium. This fish is shrouded by misconception and is frequently sold to unwary patrons before knowing exactly what they are getting into. Pangasius sutchi belongs to the, PANGASSIDAE family. The Pangassidae family consists of two genera and some 21 species all hailing from southeast Asia. This family of fishes boasts some very large fish most reaching average lengths of 19 inches or more. Due to their large size and also their schooling nature (which makes them easily caught) they have become an important food fish in their respected regions. The I.D. shark is actually a catfish as are all of the Pangassidae family, they are considered to be benthopelagic, which means Living and feeding near the bottom as well as in mid-waters or near the surface. They naturally feed on other bottom or mid dwelling organisms as well as a variety of vegetable matter, they are omnivorous and have a voracious appetite. The I.D. shark can attain weights of up to 15.5 kg (world record) and grow to be as long as 40 inches, almost 4 feet! They have a rapid growth rate and reach sexual maturity and full size within 4 years. They are a purely freshwater fish but are extremely tolerant to different water conditions, a very hardy and adaptable fish used frequently for added aquaculture in different regions. Easily identified by its distinctive "shark like" appearance (hence the name), it is full bodied with an undershot mouth, rather large eyes, deeply forked tail with two silver or Iridescent stripes that run the length of its body. The main body color is a darkish tone of grey with a white belly. As they age they will eventually lose the stripes and become uniformly grey. |
| Care Information: |
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As mentioned previously this species is not very suitable to the "average" home aquarium due to its rapid growth rate and impressive adult size as well as its need to be accompanied by others due to its schooling nature. There is some speculation as to the max size of fish in aquariums and to their max size in the wild. Common sense comes to play here. A fish that grows to an average size of 30 inches, like the I.D. shark, in the wild would grow no smaller than half that in the proper environment in an aquarium, so planning for an average size of 15 inches or more is essential. Going with those numbers a small shoal of 5-8 adult fish would need a 250 gallon to a 500 gallon to be moderately comfortable. Juveniles could be kept in smaller aquariums but would need upgrades as they age. I.D. sharks are very shy fish and have poor eyesight, because of these facts they tend to be skittish in the aquarium. When frightened (which happens rather easily) they will dash frantically throughout the aquarium running into decorations and aquarium walls causing injury to them and possibly others within the tank. I have personally seen this plenty of times, in the worst cases actually knocking themselves unconscious before resuming moments later. To reduce and hopefully prevent this you need to give them some basic needs they would find in their natural environment. I.D.'s are usually found in fast flowing waters and will migrate upstream when mating, providing a strong underwater current will curb this natural migratory urge and give them some calmness and overall sense of well-being. Since they usually frequent the lower portions of the waterways, giving them subdued lighting and adding some floating plants will also help in well-being as it simulates their natural environment further and contributes to their shyness. Lastly, keeping a moderately planted tank with little or no decorations will give them the room to swim without bumping into things and feeling crowded, a piece of driftwood or two and a few "low light" plants makes for a great environment, as long as they have lots of room to swim. Tapping of the glass, instantly turning on the lights, and fast movements can all send these fish into their psychotic episodes so avoiding these things is best. These fish are omnivorous, graciously accepting all types of food items commonly available at any fish store. A variety of meaty and vegetable based foods is best for their overall health. Catfish as a general rule are more of a vegetarian type species so introducing more of this type of food is recommended. The addition of foods such as, brine shrimp, shrimp pellets, krill, or bloodworms are a good supplement to their vegetable based diet. Since they have a voracious appetite, being able to tell what foods they like is a little difficult, so feeding them the proper food that most simulates their nature is best. I would also like to add that these fish particularly like the morning sun, having your aquarium in a spot that gets it or having step on lighting is best |
| Breeding Information: |
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Breeding so far in aquariums has never been successful due to their large size. Success has been achieved in ponds and large enclosures. In Asia they are breed in ponds regularly for sale into the aquarium trade. |
| Suggested Resources: |
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Some information courtesy of: Fishbase.org - http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Pangasius&speciesname=hypophthalmus JJPhoto.dk - http://www.jjphoto.dk/fish_archive/warm_freshwater/pangasius_hypophthalmus.htm Animal Atlas - http://animalatlas.com/encyclo/fresh/catfish/pangasius.htm PlanetCatfish.com http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/1998-08.htm MongBay.com - http://www.mongabay.com/fish/pangassidae.htm |
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