pangasius hypalthalmus, iridescant shark

[jscoggs27]

has anyone kept any of these for any length of time? I mean long enough to grow to some size. I once saw one some time ago in a small lfs near me the owner didnt want to sell it ( i didnt want to buy it) Just kept repeating "his not for sale...." I couldnt get any info on how old it was or anything, he just kept saying it wasnt for sale and hovering around me nervously! It was about 10 " long about 25 cm. Small specimens are easily avalible ive seen sanitswongei as well! but what I want too know is has anyone been succesfull at keeping them? I think they are wonderfull,but Im not gonna get some knowing they wont be happy in an aquarium.

thanks
jason

[Silurus]

Not directly answering your question, but most of the large ones I've seen in public aquaria (40-50 cm) have bruised snouts, indicating that they still aren't getting enough room to swim, even in such large enclosures.

[jscoggs27]

thats what I thought. the large one i saw had a terribly bruised snout poor thing. Shame there arent any dwarf species.
Thanks silurus

[Silurus]

Well, the smallest species of <i>Pangasius</i> is <i>P. macronema</i>, which maxes out at 20 cm. You would still need a very large tank, though (not to mention that this species is never imported for the aquarium trade).