IRIDESCENT SHARK

The Iridescent Shark is actually not a shark – it is a shark cat fish. It is named for the iridescent glow present in juveniles of the species and it’s shark-like appearance.

Adult Iridescent Sharks can grow to over 4 feet in length and weight as much as 100 pounds. Large adults no longer have the iridescent color and are generally grey and have no scales like other catfish.

Unlike most catfish, the Iridescent Shark is not a bottom dweller. They tend to occupy the mid-depth waters and on occasion can be seen rising to the surface for air. They are a diurnal species, which means they are mostly active during the daylight hours.​

The Iridescent Shark is a migratory fish, much like salmon, who swim upstream during the flood season each year to spawn while the waters are high, and turn downstream when water levels recede to more deep water habitats to raise their young.​

ENDANGERED (EN):
Higher risk of extinction in the wild.