# Pangasius

Pangasius are large fish with long bodies and whiskers. They are often found in rivers and are popular in cooking.

- **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Also known as:** Iridescent Shark, Pangasius Catfish, Thai Catfish

![Pangasius](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426809/objects/4759.jpg)

## Appearance

The Pangasius has a sleek, shark-like body with a silvery-grey back and a lighter belly. It features a small head and two pairs of prominent barbels (whiskers) around its mouth, distinguishing it from many other freshwater fish.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Actinopterygii
- **Order:** Siluriformes
- **Family:** Pangasiidae
- **Genus:** Pangasius

## Interesting facts

- Pangasius means 'fish that resembles a shark' in Thai!
- Some Pangasius travel hundreds of miles upriver to lay their eggs!
- These amazing fish can breathe air for short periods, especially in low-oxygen water!
- Young Pangasius often swim in huge schools, creating a shimmering silver spectacle!

## Special abilities

- **Mouth Whispers:** Pangasius has long sensory barbels that help them taste and feel for food in dark or murky water.
- **Oxygen Guardian:** Pangasius can tolerate low oxygen levels in the water, helping them survive in challenging river environments.
- **Rapid Responder:** Pangasius can grow very quickly, helping them reach a larger size faster and avoid many predators.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 20-130 cm
- **Weight:** 0.5-44 kg
- **Lifespan:** 10-20 years
- **Swim Speed:** 15 km/h
- **Maximum Depth:** 20 m
- **Water Type:** Freshwater

## Diet & Feeding

Pangasius are omnivores, eating everything from plants and insects to smaller fish and detritus.

- **Primary Foods:** small fish, crustaceans, aquatic plants, insects, detritus
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Siamese Crocodile](https://www.snappit.app/explore/siamese-crocodile) (*Crocodylus siamensis*) — Adult crocodiles hunt large fish in their river habitats.
- **Eats:** Three-lined Rasbora (*Rasbora trilineata*) — Pangasius eat smaller fish species found in their environment.
- **Eats:** Water Hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*) — Pangasius consume various aquatic plants and plant matter.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout.
- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pangasius?

Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Pangasius?

20-130 cm

### How much does Pangasius weigh?

0.5-44 kg

### How long does Pangasius live?

10-20 years

### What does Pangasius eat?

Pangasius are omnivores, eating everything from plants and insects to smaller fish and detritus.

### How fast can Pangasius swim?

15 km/h

### How does Pangasius hunt?

Foraging

### How deep can Pangasius go?

20 m

## More Fish

- [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*)
- [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*)
- [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*)
- [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*)

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Source: [Pangasius: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pangasius)