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Fish profile · Pangasiidae
Iridescent shark
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Also called Striped catfish, Sutchi catfish, and Swai
The iridescent shark is a catfish, despite its aquarium name. Introduced to Malaysia for aquaculture, it is different from the native Pangasius nasutus and is widely raised in freshwater systems.
Last reviewed 26 October 2026 · 8 sources
- Max length
- 130 cm
- without the tail
- IUCN
- EN
- Endangered
- In Malaysia
- Introduced
- Family
- Pangasiidae
- order Siluriformes
Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.
How big?
Linear scale · person 170 cm
Up to 130 cm without the tail.
Where in Malaysia
1 open-licence record · GBIF
How to identify
- Catfish body with a deeply forked tail
- Two pairs of barbels around the mouth
Habitat
Large river channels and seasonal floodplain waters; farmed in freshwater ponds and cages.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; eats algae, zooplankton, crustaceans and fish.
- Native range
- The Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong river systems.
Eating
Raised extensively for food; exported fillets are commonly sold as swai.
Aquarium care
- Minimum tank
- 14,580 L
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Temperament
- Peaceful
Sources
Last reviewed 26 October 2026