How to Identify Iridescent Shark

To identify Iridescent Shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Juveniles are typically silvery-grey with two distinct dark stripes running horizontally along the body, one above and one below the lateral line. As they mature, the stripes fade, and the body becomes uniformly dark grey to black dorsally, fading to a lighter grey or white ventrally. The fins are often dusky or blackish. An iridescent sheen is often visible, especially in younger specimens, giving them their common name.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Shark-like body shape with a deeply forked caudal fin., Two pairs of barbels (maxillary and mandibular) in juveniles, often reduced or absent in adults., Small, widely spaced eyes., Absence of scales (naked skin)., A small adipose fin is present.

Dorsal fin

Single, tall, and triangular dorsal fin with 1-2 spines and 6-7 soft rays, positioned relatively far forward.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, resembling that of a shark, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Large, triangular pectoral fins with a strong, serrated spine and 10-13 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, with 29-32 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small, with 8-9 soft rays. A small adipose fin is present between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the sleek, torpedo-shaped body and deeply forked tail, which gives it a shark-like appearance.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Juveniles have prominent dark stripes along the lateral line on a silvery body. Adults are uniformly dark grey to black dorsally, lighter ventrally, with a subtle iridescent sheen.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Observe the two pairs of barbels around the mouth in juveniles; these may be reduced or absent in larger adults.

4. 4

   Fins

   Note the tall, triangular dorsal fin and the long anal fin. The pectoral fins have a strong, serrated spine.

5. 5

   Scales

   The skin is smooth and scaleless, a characteristic of many catfish species.

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