Description

The Iridescent Shark or Siamese Shark (Pangasianodon Hypophthalmus) is a Tropical Fish species of shark catfish (It is not a shark in the common sense) native to the rivers of Southeast Asia. It is found in the Mekong basin as well as the Chao Phraya River, and is heavily cultivated for food there. The meat is often marketed under the common name Swai. Its striking appearance and iridescence have made it popular with Tropical Fish keeping hobbyists, among whom it is also known as the Siamese Shark or Sutchi Catfish. The Iridescent Shark or Siamese Shark adults reach up to 4.3″ feet in length and can weigh up to a maximum of 97 lbs.

The Iridescent Shark or Siamese Shark’s omnivorous diet consists of crustaceans, other fish, and plant matter. The fish is named for the glow or iridescence exhibited in juveniles, as well as the shark-like appearance of this and other Shark Catfish. However, large adult Iridescent Shark or Siamese Shark are uniformly grey. The fins are dark grey or black. Juveniles have a black stripe along the lateral line and a second black stripe below the lateral line.