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The Shining Mystery: Why the Glittering Spotted Shark Isn't Actually a Shark?
The iris shark is a species of fish found in the rivers of Southeast Asia. Although it has the word "shark" in its name, it is not actually a shark. This fish has gained a lot of attention, especially among aquarium hobbyists, for its unique appearance and dazzling sheen. Why exactly is the resplendent spotted shark called a shark? This may be directly related to their appearance and living environment.
The dazzling spotted shark displays an attractive sheen in its juvenile stage, a feature that has also attracted the attention of many fish enthusiasts.
Basic characteristics of spotted shark
The brilliant spotted shark, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, belongs to the Pangasiidae family and is native to the Mekong and Chaluk rivers in Vietnam. The fish typically grows to 130 cm in length and can weigh up to 44 kg. Adults are mostly grey in colour, while juveniles have distinct black stripes and a shiny sheen, making them very popular in aquariums.
The beautiful appearance of this fish makes it an eye-catching presence in the fish tank and has created a craze in fish breeding.
Habitat and distribution
The brilliant spotted shark lives mainly in freshwater rivers with tropical climates, especially the Mekong and Chaluk rivers. In these subtropical areas, they live primarily in deep, slow-flowing waters with clear water, and can tolerate low oxygen environments. As water levels change, the fish travel upstream to breed during their annual migration, then return downstream to find mature growth.
Worryingly, the brilliant spotted shark was spotted in Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2015, an accidental introduction from illegal farming, posing a potential threat to the local ecosystem.
Many people's table guests
Spotted shark is quite common in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, where it is called "ikan patin". Although this fish does not have a high reputation, it is widely popular because of its delicious meat and low price.
The resplendent spotted shark has lost its reputation in the global seafood trade, but exports to Vietnam totaled $1.8 billion in 2014.
Challenges for Aquarium Hobbyists
Although juveniles are often found in home aquariums, caring for the glorious spotted shark is not an easy task. This fish requires ample space and a suitable breeding environment, otherwise their growth will be restricted. In most home aquariums, many spotted sharks only grow to 15-30 cm due to lack of space, which is not ideal for their health.
When out of space, the brilliant spotted shark is susceptible to injury, which can affect its health and lifespan.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
As environmental issues become more serious, the protection and proper reproduction of the dazzling spotted shark is becoming more and more important. This not only concerns the survival of this species, but also the balance of the entire ecosystem. In the future, how to strike a balance between breeding and ecological protection will be a common challenge for the industry and scientists.
Behind this brilliance and mystery, what is the real story of the dazzling spotted shark?
