Chinese Longnose / Sharpnose Shark Catfish (Leiocassis longirostris)

Chinese Longnose / Sharpnose Shark Catfish — Leiocassis longirostris
River current specialist with shark-like form

The Chinese Longnose Shark Catfish is a sleek, fast-water predator built entirely around efficiency. Its elongated body, pointed snout, and tall dorsal fin give it a true “freshwater shark” silhouette, while the smooth silver-gray coloration keeps the look clean and natural. Instead of heavy armor or bright patterns, this species relies on hydrodynamics — it is designed to move through current all day without effort.

Native to large rivers of East Asia, Leiocassis longirostris inhabits open channels where oxygen is high and food drifts with the flow. In the aquarium it behaves the same way, cruising constantly in mid-water and rarely resting on the bottom like most catfish. A group moving together creates a powerful river effect, adding motion to big tanks housing larger predators.

Reaching roughly 12–18 inches, they are peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will consume anything small enough to swallow. Their temperament makes them excellent companions for arowana, larger cichlids, datnoids, and other active species that appreciate current and open swimming space.

They thrive with strong filtration, moderate to heavy flow, and frequent feeding of pellets, frozen foods, and meaty items. When comfortable they become confident swimmers, often reacting instantly at feeding time and darting through the water column with surprising speed.