Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 1000 gallons and 72-82°F. Sold as a sleek silver juvenile, this catfish is not a true shark and grows into a large, heavy fish. It is skittish and often injures itself in glass, so it is a poor fit for home aquariums and is best left to pond-scale or public setups.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pangasianodon hypophthalmus |
|---|---|
| Family | Pangasiidae |
| Origin | Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Southeast Asia |
| Adult size | 24-48 in |
| Minimum tank | 1000 gallons |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful but panicky, grows too big for tankmates |
| Social behavior | Schooling, but needs pond-scale space |
| Swim level | Mid to bottom |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen foods, vegetables |
| Typical lifespan | 10-20 years |
Quick tips
- Plan for a tank measured in the hundreds to thousands of gallons before buying.
- Juveniles dart into glass when startled; keep the room calm.
- Do not buy it as a community fish for a standard tank.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi