| Shark catfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pangasius hypophthalmus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Suborder: | Siluroidei |
| Superfamily: | Arioidea |
| Family: | Pangasiidae Bleeker, 1858 |
| Genera | |
Theshark catfishes form thefamilyPangasiidae. They are found infresh andbrackish waters across southernAsia, fromPakistan toBorneo.[1] Among the 30-odd members of this family is the plant-eating, endangeredMekong giant catfishPangasianodon gigas, one of the largest known freshwater fish.[1] Several species areaquacultured forfood, withVietnam'sMekong Delta being a prominent locale for the industry.
Thedorsal fin is located far forward, close to the head, and is often high and triangular, thus inspiring the common name. Theanal fin is somewhat lengthy, with 26–46 rays. Usually, they have two pairs ofbarbels, maxillary barbels and one pair of chin barbels, though adultMekong giant catfish have only maxillary barbels. Pangasiids have compressed bodies and single smalladipose fins.[1]
Pangasiidae forms amonophyletic group: a number of studies had indicated the group should be a part of the familySchilbeidae,[2] but subsequent studies have disproven this. The followingcladogram is based on a detailed PhyML-phylogeny based on the analysis of the partialcox1 sequences:[3]
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Twofossil pangasiid species are described,Cetopangasius chaetobranchus from theMiocene, andPangasius indicus, from theEocene. However, the reported age ofP. indicus from theEocene is debatable, as theSipang Fauna stratum where it is found has never been officially dated. Therefore, the earliest reliable pangasiid fossil age is ofC. chaetobranchus from the Miocene.[2]
