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Red Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Siluriformes›Pimelodidae
📍 Amazon & Orinoco Basins, South America
Striking catfish with a vivid orange-red tail contrasting with a dark grey body. Often purchased as a cute 4-inch juvenile — it grows to 4 feet. Only suitable for public aquariums. An irresponsible but common trade fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Red tail catfish are obligate carnivores requiring large prey items such as live or frozen fish, shrimp, and earthworms. Feed juveniles once daily and adults once daily, adjusting portions to their size. As they grow, whole fish (silversides, mackerel) become necessary to maintain proper nutrition and natural feeding behavior.
Behavior
Highly aggressive and predatory, red tail catfish are solitary hunters that become increasingly territorial with age. They are primarily nocturnal bottom-dwellers that spend daylight hours hiding in caves or dense vegetation. Adults are dangerous to tankmates and handlers alike, capable of inflicting serious injuries with their spines and teeth.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and virtually undocumented in home aquariums. These fish require massive tank volumes, specific water conditions, and complex behavioral triggers that are nearly impossible to replicate. Only public aquariums with specialized facilities have successfully bred this species.
Tank Mates
Similar size and water requirements, but aggression increases with age; only viable with very large juveniles
Comparable predatory nature and size, but both are highly aggressive and territorial
Large, nocturnal bottom-dweller that can coexist if tank is spacious enough to avoid competition
Similar habitat preference and size potential, but both are aggressive and may conflict over territory
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed, discolored, or deteriorating fins; often caused by poor water quality or injuries from aggressive behavior
Perform 25-30% water changes, improve filtration, maintain optimal water parameters (pH 5.5-7.0), and treat with antibacterial medication if secondary infection occurs
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching against surfaces, lethargy, and difficulty breathing
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-29°C, increase aeration, perform daily water changes, and use ich-specific medication; maintain treatment for 10-14 days
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, ulcers, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, and discoloration around wounds or mouth
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, maintain pristine water quality, and administer broad-spectrum antibiotics as directed
Parasitic Infections
Excessive mucus coating, weight loss despite feeding, erratic swimming, and visible parasites on gills or skin
Use antiparasitic medications, perform 50% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, and quarantine if possible
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- diet
- carnivore/large prey
- maxSize
- 48 inches
- minTankSize
- 1000 gallons
- temperature
- 73–84°F (23–29°C)
Temperature
73–84°F
23–29°C