Shark catfish

Taxobox
name = Shark catfishes
fossil_range = Miocene - Recent

---

image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Pangasius hypophthalmus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Pangasiidae
familia_authority = Bleeker, 1858
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = "Cetopangasius" †
"Helicophagus"
"Pangasianodon"
"Pangasius"

The shark catfishes are a family Pangasiidae of catfishes found in fresh and brackish waters across southern Asia, from Pakistan to Borneo. Among the 30-odd members of this family is the plant-eating, endangered Mekong giant catfish "Pangasianodon gigas", one of the largest known freshwater fishes.cite book|title=Fishes of the World|last=Nelson|first=Joseph S.|publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc|year=2006|isbn=0-471-25031-7]

Although Pangasiidae is known to be a natural group, several studies indicate that this group is likely nested within Schilbeidae. Thus, its familial status may not deserve continued recognition.

Two fossil pangasiid species are described, "Cetopangasius chaetobranchus" and "Pangasius indicus". However, the reported age of "P. indicus" from the Eocene has been doubted. Therefore, the earliest reliable pangasiid fossil age is of "C. chaetobranchus" from the Miocene.cite journal|url=http://silurus.acnatsci.org/ACSI/library/biblios/2007_Ferraris_Catfish_Checklist.pdf|title=Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types|first=Carl J., Jr.|last=Ferraris|journal=Zootaxa|volume=1418|pages=1–628|year=2007|format=PDF]

The dorsal fin is located far forward, close to the head, and is often high and triangular, thus inspiring the common name. The anal fin is somewhat lengthy, with 26–46 rays. There are usually two pairs of barbels, maxillary barbels and one pair of chin barbels, though in adult Mekong giant catfish there are only maxillary barbels. The body is compressed. A small adipose fin is present.

References

External links

*