Iridescent Shark: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The iridescent shark is a catfish that grows to a meter long. Sold as a cute silver baby, it outgrows every home aquarium.

Adult size
39.4 in100 cm
Smallest tank
1,057 gallons4,000 liters
How many
One or more
Temperature
72–82 °F22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank does an iridescent shark need?

At least 1,055 gallons (4,000 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pangasianodon hypophthalmus.

How many iridescent sharks in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if iridescent sharks are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

None. No common tank size up to 125 gallons is big enough for an adult iridescent shark.

Check iridescent sharks against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Grows to a meter long. A fish for public aquariums, not for homes.
  • It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.

Tank mates for iridescent sharks

Nothing in our list of 118 species is a safe match for iridescent sharks in an ordinary tank. Plan a tank for this species alone.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Iridescent shark (about 39 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as iridescent shark.

Questions and answers

What size tank does an iridescent shark need?

At least 1,055 gallons (4,000 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond.

How many iridescent sharks should be kept together?

One is fine. An iridescent shark does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can iridescent sharks live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Iridescent shark needs at least 1,055 gallons (4,000 liters), and grows to 39 in (100 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do iridescent sharks need?

72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.

Can iridescent sharks live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Iridescent shark (about 39 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.