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Shellfeeder shark catfish (Pangasius conchophilus) — Pangasiidae

Shellfeeder shark catfish

Pangasius conchophilus
Family: Pangasiidae

The Shellfeeder shark catfish (Pangasius conchophilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Pangasiidae that grows up to 120 cm.

Length
120 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Shellfeeder shark catfish is a shark catfish (Pangasiidae) from large rivers of the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 1,2 meter and has a streamlined, laterally compressed, silver-grey body with a broad mouth, barbels and an adipose fin, and swims like a shark in open water. As an omnivore it migrates through rivers in schools and eats fish, crustaceans, fruit, seeds and detritus. It is an extremely important food fish. The stout, serrated dorsal and pectoral spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shellfeeder shark catfish?

The Shellfeeder shark catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Shellfeeder shark catfish live?

The Shellfeeder shark catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Shellfeeder shark catfish get?

The Shellfeeder shark catfish grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.

Is the Shellfeeder shark catfish dangerous to humans?

The Shellfeeder shark catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Shellfeeder shark catfish edible?

Yes, the Shellfeeder shark catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schelpeter-haaimeerval sourced
English name
Shellfeeder shark catfish sourced
Scientific name
Pangasius conchophilus
Family
Pangasiidae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
120.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pangasius

More from the family Pangasiidae

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