Need Fish ID

SuzyQ · Apr 15, 2020

I’ve had this guy for about 5-6 years. I sear when I purchased him I was told it was some type of shark, maybe a catfish. I honestly don’t remember. It strikes me as some type of cat because of the short barbells at the front of his head. He’s maybe about 2-3 inches in size.

Would anyone have any idea as to what this guy is? He has a great little personality, gets a long with every fish he ever meets and is sometimes really active and others he likes to hide out. Also, I say he but I don’t know if I have a female or male here.
Thank you for any help!

CassCats · Apr 15, 2020

He looks to be in the shark catfish family... most common would be the iridescent shark.

If he is, he is severely stunted as they grow up to 51 inches.

JuiceBox52 · Apr 15, 2020

@Retired Viking

PheonixKingZ · Apr 15, 2020

The name is escaping me at the moment. It is not a shark, it is a type of catfish. I’ll do some digging and get back to you. He looks cute though!

PheonixKingZ · Apr 15, 2020

NCaquatics said:
He looks to be in the shark catfish family... most common would be the iridescent shark.

If he is, he is severely stunted as they grow up to 51 inches.

That’s what I was thinking of. He might not be an IS (iridescent shark) due to the fact that the OP has him/her for over 5 years. It would at least be longer than a foot by now...

PheonixKingZ · Apr 15, 2020

Did some research, it looks like this guy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/PANGASIUS-SHARK-CATFISH-GROWS-LARGE-TROPICAL-FISH-/292176357079

(Pangasius shark is also known as the iridescent shark.)

My best guess is an extremely stunted Pangasius shark?

Byron · Apr 15, 2020

I couldn't think of the name until NCaquatics posted, and I agree this is the likely ID. Species is Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and here is the entry on SF that outlines its requirements, and a photo.

Pangasionodon hypophthalmus (Iridescent Shark Catfish) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus [iridescent shark catfish].jpg

Metalhead88 · Apr 15, 2020

I agree that it looks like an ID shark. They get MASSIVE. What size tank is it in?

It's eyes are huge compared to it's body. It should be much bigger by now in any size tank.

Colin_T · Apr 15, 2020

It's a Pangasius sp and has a cloudy swollen eye and excess mucous on its fins.

You need to check the water quality for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.

Do a 75% water change and gravel clean the substrate every day for 2 weeks.
Make sure any new water is free of chlorine/ chloramine before it's added to the tank.

When the fish has recovered and looks normal, return it to the shop you bought it from and don't buy any more. These fish need to be kept in groups and in huge ponds. They are not suitable for aquariums and should not be sold by shops.

SuzyQ · Apr 17, 2020

PheonixKingZ said:
That’s what I was thinking of. He might not be an IS (iridescent shark) due to the fact that the OP has him/her for over 5 years. It would at least be longer than a foot by now...

I do remember making sure that my tank was big enough for him/her when I got it. Like I said though, I really can’t remember what they told me it was.
I would hope it’s not an IS as I’d feel awful if he/her was stunted because of me. He/her’s name is Tetris by the way.

SuzyQ · Apr 17, 2020

Colin_T said:
It's a Pangasius sp and has a cloudy swollen eye and excess mucous on its fins.

You need to check the water quality for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.

Do a 75% water change and gravel clean the substrate every day for 2 weeks.
Make sure any new water is free of chlorine/ chloramine before it's added to the tank.

When the fish has recovered and looks normal, return it to the shop you bought it from and don't buy any more. These fish need to be kept in groups and in huge ponds. They are not suitable for aquariums and should not be sold by shops.

I’ve had him for years, but I NEVER would have purchased him for my 29 gal if I had known he was supposed to get that big. Never!!! He’s only about 3 in. now.

SuzyQ · Apr 17, 2020

Byron said:
I couldn't think of the name until NCaquatics posted, and I agree this is the likely ID. Species is Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and here is the entry on SF that outlines its requirements, and a photo.

Pangasionodon hypophthalmus (Iridescent Shark Catfish) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

View attachment 101429

Here is another pic of it. It’s eyes have been big like this as long as I’ve had him.

Metalhead88 · Apr 17, 2020

SuzyQ said:
I do remember making sure that my tank was big enough for him/her when I got it. Like I said though, I really can’t remember what they told me it was.
I would hope it’s not an IS as I’d feel awful if he/her was stunted because of me. He/her’s name is Tetris by the way.

Pet stores sometimes give awful advice.

PheonixKingZ · Apr 17, 2020

That’s very weird that he hasn’t grown at all.

Metalhead88 · Apr 17, 2020

PheonixKingZ said:
That’s very weird that he hasn’t grown at all.

Agreed. I'm stumped. It looks like an ID shark and should be bigger even if severely stunted. If he was stunted this badly, he should be dead or at least very sick by now.

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