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FishhardFreshwater

Red Tail Catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiSiluriformesPimelodidae

📍 Amazon & Orinoco Basins, South America

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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.

Keeping this species

pH
5.5–7.0
diet
carnivore/large prey
maxSize
48 inches
minTankSize
1000 gallons
temperature
73–84°F (23–29°C)

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Temperature

73–84°F

23–29°C

Natural Habitat Temperature

82°81°79°JFMAMJJASOND

79°F 82°F seasonal range  · (Jan low, Mar high)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists