Redtail Catfish

The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a massive and powerful freshwater fish known for its striking red tail and voracious appetite. It is a highly popular species in the aquarium trade, but due to its huge size and space requirements, it is only suitable for very large tanks or ponds.

Scientific Name:

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Maximum Size:

• Can grow up to 3.5-4.5 feet (110-135 cm) in captivity.
• In the wild, they can reach over 5 feet (150 cm) in length.

Native Region:

• Found in South America, specifically in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo River basins of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
• Inhabits deep rivers, flooded forests, and large tributaries.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Carnivorous, with a strong predatory instinct.
• In the wild, they consume fish, crustaceans, insects, and even small mammals.
• In captivity, they should be fed:
  ✅ High-quality carnivore pellets and sinking meaty foods
  ✅ Live or frozen fish (tilapia, shrimp, earthworms)
  ✅ Occasional raw seafood (prawns, squid)
  ❌ Avoid feeding goldfish, as they can cause health issues due to poor nutrition.

Lifespan:

• 15 to 20 years with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding in captivity is extremely rare due to their large size.
• In the wild, they spawn in the rainy season, with eggs laid in deep riverbeds.
• Juveniles grow rapidly, sometimes exceeding 12 inches (30 cm) in a few months.

Best Tank Mates:

Due to their predatory nature, tank mates should be large, robust fish that won't fit in their mouths. Some suitable tank mates include:

✅ Other large catfish (Arowana, Giant Gourami, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish)
✅ Stingrays (in massive tanks or ponds)
✅ Pacu (if properly fed to prevent fin-nipping)
✅ Large cichlids (Peacock Bass, Oscar, Flowerhorn—only if the tank is massive)

🚫 Avoid:

• Small fish (they will be eaten).
• Slow-moving fish (may get harassed or injured).
• Territorial/aggressive fish that may stress the catfish.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons (ponds are preferred for long-term housing).
• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
• Filtration: Requires extremely powerful filtration due to heavy waste production.
• Décor: Needs large open swimming space with driftwood, caves, and smooth substrate.

⚠ Important Note:
Redtail Catfish are not suitable for most home aquariums due to their massive size and rapid growth.