Redtailed Catfish 8cm

Redtailed Catfish

Scientific Name: Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Common Name: Redtail Catfish
Adult Size: Up to 4 feet
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Habitat: Native to South America, found in large rivers and lakes

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 500 gallons (for adults)
• Ideal Temperature: 72-80°F
• pH Range: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: 5-20 dGH
• Temperament: Generally peaceful as juveniles, but can become aggressive and predatory as they grow

Diet & Nutrition

• Diet: Carnivorous; feed with high-protein foods like live or frozen fish, shrimp, and sinking pellets.
• Tank Mate Compatibility:
  • Best kept alone or with large, robust fish that won't fit in its mouth.
  • Avoid small fish or those that could be seen as prey.

Breeding & Spawning

• Reproduction: Rare in captivity; requires very specific conditions and is seldom achieved outside their natural habitat.

Appearance

• Distinctive Features: Long, slender body with a bright red tail fin.
• Note: Redtail Catfish are prized for their striking appearance but require an extremely large tank due to their potential size and predatory nature.

Due to their immense size and predatory tendencies, Redtail Catfish are suitable only for very large aquariums or specialized setups. They require careful consideration of tank mates and ample space to thrive.