A colossal riverine catfish native to the Indian subcontinent. While highly important for aquaculture, they are disastrous for home aquariums. They grow rapidly to enormous sizes (up to 150-300cm), are easily spooked (often resulting in them ramming the tank glass at high speeds), and will swallow any tank mate that fits in their massive mouths.
Pungas Catfish At a Glance
Pungas Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Pungas Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pungas Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pungas Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Pungas Catfish Water Parameters
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Pungas Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Pungas Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard / Pond)
The adult form of the Pungas Catfish. Due to their massive size, extreme skittishness, and schooling nature, they are entirely unsuited for home aquariums. They require massive tropical ponds or public aquarium facilities to thrive.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Monster Fish, Adult Pangas
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Often sold as cute juveniles in pet stores. They grow extremely rapidly and are highly nervous, prone to fatally ramming the glass if startled. A 120cm (4-foot) tank is strictly a temporary grow-out solution for the first few months before they outgrow it.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Shark Catfish, Juvenile Pangas
Pungas Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Pungas Catfish, scientifically known as Pangasius pangasius, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 150 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pungas Catfish requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 5000 litres and a tank length of at least 450 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Pungas Catfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard / Pond) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Pungas Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pungas Catfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Pungas Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Pungas Catfish is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pungas Catfish
How big does Pungas Catfish get?
Pungas Catfish (Pangasius pangasius) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 150 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Pungas Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 5000 litres and a tank length of at least 450 cm are recommended for Pungas Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pungas Catfish need?
Pungas Catfish thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Pungas Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Pungas Catfish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Pungas Catfish live alone?
No, Pungas Catfish should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Pungas Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pungas Catfish benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Pungas Catfish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Pungas Catfish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Pungas Catfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Pungas Catfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Gold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesFestivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesApistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Pungas Catfish
These plants pair well with Pungas Catfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Pungas Catfish
Shortbarbel Pangasius
Pangasius micronemus
A massive, highly active riverine catfish native to Southeast Asia. Like its cousin the Iridescent Shark, it is a nervous and skittish swimmer prone to panicking and injuring itself on tank glass. Due to its enormous adult size of up to 1 meter (39 inches), it is strictly suited for only the largest custom aquariums, indoor ponds, or public aquaria. It is an opportunistic predator that will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in its large mouth.
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Pangasius sanitwongsei
An apex predator native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. This true 'monster fish' is completely unsuitable for home aquariums. They grow to massive proportions, are highly active, and easily startled—often severely injuring themselves by crashing into tank walls. They possess a massive appetite and are highly piscivorous, consuming any tank mate that fits in their mouth.
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Pangasius nasutus
A massive riverine shark-catfish native to Southeast Asia. It is an extremely active 'tank buster' that reaches up to 90cm (3 feet) in length. They are easily startled, prone to panic attacks, and can severely injure themselves by smashing into the aquarium glass. Due to their immense adult size, they are strictly suited for massive custom aquariums or heated indoor ponds.
Spot Pangasius
Pangasius larnaudii
A massive, fast-swimming catfish native to the Mekong basin, recognizable by a distinct large black spot just above its pectoral fins. Like the Iridescent Shark, it is a 'tank buster' that grows well over a meter in length. They are easily startled and prone to panic-swimming into glass, requiring enormous tanks with smooth decor.
Wels Catfish (European Catfish)
Silurus glanis
The Wels Catfish is a massive, highly predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is wholly unsuited for standard home aquariums and requires a heavy-duty heated indoor pond or massive custom setup. They are highly opportunistic predators that will swallow any tank mate that fits into their enormous mouths.
Red-Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
A massive, fast-growing predatory catfish from the Amazon basin. Famous for its voracious appetite, bulldozer-like behavior, and distinct red caudal fin. Due to its enormous adult size (often exceeding 4 feet), it is strictly a 'monster fish' that requires a heated indoor pond or a colossal custom aquarium. It is highly predatory and will swallow absolutely any tank mate that can fit into its cavernous mouth.