Iridescent Shark

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Also sold as Iridescent shark catfish · Pangasius

Synonyms Siamese shark

Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 100 cm (39.4 in) and swims in open water. It wants 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 2000 L (528 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	100 cm (39.4 in)
Minimum tank	2000 L (528 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH	6.5–7.5
Temperament	Peaceful
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Iridescent Shark needs at least 2000 L (528 gal).
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 33.3 cm (13.1 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It holds at 72–82°F (22–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.

What tank size does it need?

At least 2000 L (528 gal).

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Iridescent Shark	Bala Shark	Rainbow Shark
Adult size	100 cm	35 cm	15 cm
Min tank	2000 L	864 L	243 L
Group	1+	5+	1+
Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)	68–82°F (20–28°C)	68–79°F (20–26°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Iridescent Shark →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026