Iridescent Shark
(Pangasius hypothalmus)

Range: Southeast Asia

Habitat: Freshwater rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Diet: Smaller fish, smaller invertebrates, commercial fish food

Identification: Large, angular fish with stout bodies and large, outstanding eyes
 
Notes: Iridescent sharks are so named because their body shape makes them resemble a shark. This shape adds to their appeal. Iridescent sharks are actually catfish. Iridescent sharks can grow very large (3ft long in the wild) and thus do not make a good pet for most people. This growth is stunted in captivity but they still grow too large for most people to house. They are also called Pangasius catfish because of their genus name. Iridescent sharks are quick and relatively mobile. Their active nature sometimes causes them to bump into the edges of their tanks, causing large welts on their snout and eyes.

At The Children’s Museum: The Children’s Museum has an iridescent shark in a tank near its entrance.