Iridescent shark facts for kids
The iridescent shark is a special kind of catfish that lives in the big rivers of Southeast Asia. Even though it's called a "shark," it's not a real shark at all! It just looks a lot like a small shark, which is how it got its name. These fish are found in places like the Mekong Basin and the Chao Phraya River and are an important food source for many people there. In the United States, you might see them sold as "swai" fish, which is very similar to local catfish.
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What is an Iridescent Shark?
The iridescent shark is actually a type of freshwater fish. It belongs to the Pangasiidae family, which are often called shark catfishes. They get their name "iridescent" because their scales can sometimes shimmer with different colors, especially when they are young.
Not a Real Shark
It's important to remember that despite its name, the iridescent shark is not related to ocean sharks. Real sharks have skeletons made of cartilage, while the iridescent shark, like other fish, has bones. Its shark-like appearance, with a tall dorsal fin and a sleek body, is just a coincidence!
Where Do Iridescent Sharks Live?
These interesting fish are native to the large rivers of Southeast Asia. Their main homes are the Mekong Basin and the Chao Phraya River. These rivers flow through several countries, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
River Life
Iridescent sharks prefer to live in large, fast-flowing rivers. They are known to migrate, meaning they travel long distances within these rivers. They move to different areas depending on the season, often looking for places to lay their eggs or find food.
Why Are Iridescent Sharks Important?
These fish play a big role in the places where they live. They are a very common and important source of food for people in Southeast Asia.
Food Source
In their native countries, iridescent sharks are caught and farmed for food. They are a popular choice because they grow quickly and are quite large. When you see "swai" fillets in stores, especially in the United States, you are likely looking at an iridescent shark. They are valued for their mild flavor and firm texture.
Appearance
Young iridescent sharks have a shiny, silvery body that can look iridescent. As they grow older, their color tends to darken, becoming more gray or black. They have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, which helps them swim quickly in river currents.
Size
These fish can grow quite large. In the wild, they can reach lengths of over 1 meter (about 3 feet) and weigh many kilograms. However, the ones raised for food are usually harvested at a smaller size.
Images for kids
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P. hypophthalmus migrations in the Mekong River
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Swai fillet as sold in the United States
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A juvenile Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
See also
In Spanish: Panga para niños
