Redtail Catfish – Phractocephalus hemioliopterus – 7 to 9 cm

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus – Redtail Catfish

The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a large catfish native to South America. It is easily recognised by its dark body, pale underside, broad head and particularly striking red to orange caudal fin.

The specimens offered here are approximately 7 to 9 cm.

Adult Size

It is essential to consider the considerable growth of this species before purchasing one. The Redtail Catfish can exceed 1 metre in length and becomes an exceptionally large fish as an adult.

The small size of juvenile specimens should therefore never be taken as an indication that this species is suitable for a conventional home aquarium.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 6 to 8
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Due to the fish's size, feeding requirements and considerable waste production, very powerful filtration and appropriate water changes are essential.

What Size Aquarium for Phractocephalus hemioliopterus?

This species is suitable only for very large-volume installations. An aquarium or indoor pond of several thousand litres may be required as the fish grows.

An installation approximately 3 metres long and 2,000 litres already represents a considerable volume, but the final dimensions of the fish must always be taken into account. A very large adult may require an even larger installation.

Floor area and the width of the enclosure are particularly important to allow the fish to move and turn comfortably.

Behaviour and Compatibility

The Redtail Catfish spends much of its time close to the bottom. Although it can appear relatively calm, its enormous adult size and predatory feeding behaviour greatly restrict suitable tank mates.

Fish small enough to be swallowed may be regarded as prey. Keeping several large individuals requires exceptionally spacious facilities and should not be considered standard group aquarium keeping.

Feeding

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus is an opportunistic predator. In the wild, its diet includes fish and various other aquatic animals.

In captivity, it can accept complete foods formulated for large carnivorous fish together with a variety of suitable animal-based foods. A balanced diet is preferable to routinely feeding live fish.

Breeding

The Redtail Catfish is an egg-laying fish. Its reproductive behaviour should not be confused with the cave-spawning behaviour of some loricariid catfish.

Due to the enormous adult size and requirements of this species, breeding is generally not practical in a conventional home aquarium.

Origin

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus originates from South America and occurs in major river systems, including the Amazon basin.

Lifespan

The Redtail Catfish is a long-lived species and can live for 15 years or more in captivity when its requirements are properly met.

An Acquisition That Requires Long-Term Planning

Before acquiring a juvenile Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, it is essential to have a realistic long-term solution for housing the fish at its adult size. Its growth and final dimensions make this species unsuitable for the vast majority of home aquariums.

Never Release This Fish into the Wild

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment.