Home › Actinopterygii › Pangasiidae › Goan Shark-Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Goan Shark-Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
Pangasianodon
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Actinopterygii
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Rivers of Goa, introduced elsewhere
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, ponds
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Actinopterygii
ORDER
Siluriformes
FAMILY
Pangasiidae
GENUS
Pangasianodon
📋 Description
SIZE
1-1.3 meters long, 10-15 kg
COLORATION
Greyish with a white belly, streamlined body
ADAPTATIONS
Barbels for sensing prey, bottom-dweller
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, ponds
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Rivers of Goa, introduced elsewhere
REPRODUCTION
Spawns in monsoon, thousands of eggs
DIET DETAILS
Small fish, crustaceans, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Overfishing, habitat pollution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Farming Boom: Grown in Goa's 5000 aquaculture farms these 1-meter fish reach 10 kg in a year. Their rapid growth supports India's fish exports.
2
Estuary Adaptors: Thriving in Zuari's brackish waters their 50 cm juveniles school in groups of 100. Sustainable farming reduces pressure on their 200 km coastal range.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Zuari River in Goa estuarine waters host shark-catfish sightings
Mandovi River in Goa freshwater sections offer shark-catfish sightings
Colva Beach in Goa nearshore waters provide shark-catfish sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season improves water clarity for spotting catfish in estuaries.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Hire local fishing guides to locate catfish in shallow coastal waters.
🐾 You Might Also Want to See...
Species
Range
Status
Species
Range
Status
Species
Range
Status
Species
Range
Status
