What is chinese banded high fin shark?

The Chinese banded high fin shark, also known as Pangasius hypophthalmus or tra catfish, is a freshwater fish species that belongs to the family Pangasidae. It is native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Maeklong river basins in Southeast Asia, but has been widely introduced and commercially cultivated in different countries including China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The Chinese banded high fin shark has a striking appearance with a silver-grey body marked with prominent black stripes that extend from the head to the tail. It has a high dorsal fin that distinguishes it from other catfish species and is used for interspecific communication during the breeding season.

This fish species is primarily omnivorous and feeds on a varied diet of insects, small crustaceans, worms, and vegetable matter. In captivity, they can be fed with commercial pellets, bloodworms, or brine shrimp.

Chinese banded high fin sharks are popular in the aquarium trade as they are easy to keep and adapt well to different water conditions. However, they can grow quite large, up to 1.2 meters in length, so a large aquarium is necessary. They are also known for their sensitivity to water quality, making regular water changes and cleaning essential.

In the wild, Chinese banded high fin sharks have faced habitat loss and overfishing due to their commercial value. They are now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. However, the species is being commercially farmed to reduce the pressure on wild populations and to meet the high demand for their meat.