Red Tail Catfish : Complete Care Guide - Learn the Aquarium (2024)

The Red Tail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is a massive freshwater fish native to South American countries like Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and more. Despite their reputation for being aggressive and challenging to keep, many aquarium enthusiasts are still attracted to their unique appearance and energetic personality.

In this guide, we’ll give you an honest look at what it takes to care for a redtail catfish, so you can decide if it’s the right pet for you.

Size and Appearance

Redtail catfish have a classic catfish look, with large barbels and a dark gray body dotted with faint spots. Their underside and top third of their dorsal fins are white, while their caudal fins and the top of their dorsal fins are red. They have a thick body that tapers off towards the tail, with a flat underbelly. The average size of a redtail catfish in captivity is 3-4 feet, but they can grow up to 5 feet in the wild.

The red tail catfish are considered a game fish by anglers due to its large size. The current IGFA world record for this fish belongs to the Brazilian Gilberto Fernandes with 56 kg (123 lb 7 oz).

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a redtail catfish in captivity is 15 years, but proper care is crucial to keep them healthy and happy. Overfeeding, stress, and boredom from living in a small tank can shorten their lifespan, so it’s important to provide plenty of room for them to move and exercise.

Tank Mates and Cost

Redtail catfish can share a tank with other large, freshwater fish like pacu, arowanas, gar, and other large catfish. The cost of a redtail catfish will typically range from $45 to $80, but it’s important to keep in mind the cost of food, water maintenance, and an enormous tank. They produce a lot of waste, so you must stay on top of your water filtering system. To be completely transparent, to properly care for this fish, it will cost well into the thousands of dollars.

Myth Busting

There is a lot of misinformation about redtail catfish online, and one of the biggest misconceptions is that keeping them in a tank at an early age will significantly stunt their growth. This is false, and they will still likely reach 3 feet at least.

Housing Requirements

The redtail catfish is a large fish that requires a substantial amount of space to live comfortably. Juvenile redtail catfish can be kept in smaller aquariums, but as they grow, they will need a tank of at least 10,000 L (2,600 US gal) to accommodate their full size.

Overfeeding is a common cause of death in this species, so weekly feedings are appropriate. The redtail catfish has a habit of swallowing inedible objects in the aquarium, so it is important to keep these out of reach. It is recommended to house this fish with other species of relatively large size as they may swallow smaller aquarium fish.

Distribution and Habitat

The red tail catfish is native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo river basins in South America, including Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Suriname, Bolivia, and Brazil. It is only found in fresh water and inhabits larger rivers, streams, and lakes.

In Thailand, it has been introduced by humans and is considered an alien species. The redtail catfish is also an invasive species in Malaysia, where it is mostly found in the Perak River and Pahang River. They have been introduced in some water bodies in the state of Florida, most likely by aquarists who realized their care was outside of their ability to provide.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

The redtail catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish that moves slowly. They have a brownish-grayish back with yellow to white sides, and an orange-red dorsal fin and caudal fin. They have a broad head with long whiskers and a white underside that extends from the mouth to the caudal fin. They feed during the evening and night and stay motionless during the day. They are territorial fish and communicate by making a clicking sound. They breed using external fertilization after laying their eggs.

Fossil Record and Scientific Classification

The redtail catfish is the only living representative of the genus Phractocephalus. However, there are other members of this genus that date back to the upper Miocene, known only from fossil remains. The redtail catfish is a pimelodid (long-whiskered) catfish and is the only extant species of the genus Phractocephalus. It is not evaluated by the IUCN.

Hybridization and Commercial Use

The redtail catfish has been hybridized with other species, such as the Pseudoplatystoma or Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, to create a hybrid fish called the Tiger Redtail Catfish. These hybrid fish are sometimes available in the aquarium hobby. The redtail catfish is also considered a game fish by anglers and is used for commercial purposes.

Conclusion

Red tail catfish are not recommended for beginner aquarium hobbyists, as they are challenging to care for and require a lot of space, maintenance, and resources. However, if you’re a highly experienced monster fish keeper and you’re ready to take on the challenge, they can make an exciting addition to your tank or pond. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life, providing you with years of enjoyment.