Shark catfishes

Let's talk about shark catfishes, an intriguing group of freshwater fish native to Southern Asia. These fish belong to the Pangasiidae family and are found in regions like India, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. With a long, compressed body, these fish are known for their distinct features such as free orbital margins behind the corner of the mouth, a small adipose fin above the posterior anal fin, and elongated anal and ventral fins. Their pectoral and dorsal fins also sport sharp spines.

Most shark catfishes thrive in freshwater environments, though some can handle brackish water, and one species even lives in marine habitats. They are known for their long-distance migrations, covering several hundred kilometers between spawning and nursery grounds. As omnivores, they consume a variety of food, including algae, plants, zooplankton, insects, and larger fish may eat fruits, crustaceans, and fish.

There are approximately 30 species across 4 genera worldwide, with Malaysia hosting 2 genera and 12 species.

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A Closer Look at Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Let's dive into one specific species, **Pangasianodon hypophthalmus**, also known as striped or sutchi catfish.

- Malay Name: Ikan Patin, Patin Lawang

- Thai Name: ปลาสวาย (Plā s̄wāy)

Identification Features:

- This species boasts a long, laterally flattened body without scales.

- A short head makes up less than 24% of the standard length.

- Their mouth is wide, with sharp teeth and two pairs of maxillary barbels near the corners.

- Six branched dorsal-fin rays and a forked caudal fin are other notable features.

- A dark stripe is present on the middle of the anal fin and each caudal lobe.

- Young fish have two black longitudinal stripes, while adults are uniformly grey.

Size:

- The maximum standard length for these fish is around 130 cm.

Habitat and Ecology:

- Native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong basins, these fish are also found in Malaysian rivers, likely due to aquaculture escapees.

- They inhabit large, low-oxygen, turbid rivers and migrate to floodplains for spawning during the wet season.

- As omnivores, their diet consists of algae, plants, zooplankton, insects, fruits, crustaceans, and fish.

Conservation:

- Unfortunately, the species is classified as endangered on the 2011 IUCN Red List.

In conclusion, shark catfishes are an essential part of aquatic biodiversity, known for their unique features and adaptability to different environments. Understanding these fascinating fish helps us appreciate the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable species.