†Cetopangasius Helicophagus Pangasianodon Pangasius Pseudolais The shark catfishes form the family Pangasiidae.
[1] Among the 30-odd members of this family is the plant-eating, endangered Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas, one of the largest known freshwater fish.
[2] Two fossil pangasiid species are described, Cetopangasius chaetobranchus from the Miocene, and Pangasius indicus, from the Eocene.
However, the reported age of P. indicus from the Eocene is debatable, as the Sipang Fauna stratum where it is found has never been officially dated.
[2] The dorsal fin is located far forward, close to the head, and is often high and triangular, thus inspiring the common name.