Origin
The redtail catfish, also known as Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, is native to South America’s Amazon Basin. This species is particularly widespread in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The Amazon Basin is home to many kinds of fish, such as the redtail catfish.
This species thrives in the warm, leisurely-moving waters of the Amazon River and its tributaries. The redtail catfish is a freshwater fish, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, creeks, and floodplains. The species is known to be a strong swimmer and can navigate through fast-moving waters, making it well-suited to life in the Amazon Basin.
Appearance & Size
Any fish enthusiast will be drawn to the redtail catfish due to its striking appearance. The fish has a broad head, an elongated cylindrical body, and a flat underside. The fish’s dorsal fin is large and extends the length of the body, while the pectoral and ventral fins are smaller in size. The most striking feature of the redtail catfish is its namesake, the red tail. The main color of their body is dark gray, with a smattering of faint dots stretching over this part of their body, but their deep red tail fin makes a striking contrast.
In addition, the redtail catfish has several other distinguishing physical traits. The fish’s mouth is large and stuffed with saber-like teeth, and its eyes are large and prominent. Additionally, the species has several barbels (long whiskers) on its mouth, which it uses to search for food in its surroundings. As the fish grows, it develops a series of bony plates on its head and body, which add to its formidable appearance.
The impressive redtail catfish can grow to a length of up to 4 feet and weigh 180 pounds as an adult. It is one of the largest freshwater fish species and can be a main attraction in any aquarium. However, it is vital to keep in mind that, due to their size, redtail catfish require a large tank. Typically, an adult redtail catfish needs a tank that is 1,500 to 2,000 gallons or more.
It’s worth noting that young redtail catfish are much smaller and can be sheltered in smaller tanks. However, as they grow, they will quickly outgrow the tank and need to be relocated to a larger one. When owning a fully grown redtail catfish, planning and having a suitable home available is crucial.
It’s also essential to keep in mind that the size of the fish can vary based on the conditions of the tank, diet, and care provided.
Genders
The redtail catfish is a sexually dimorphic species, meaning that males and females differ physically. The most apparent distinction is that males typically have a broader head and a more pronounced hump on their forehead, whereas females generally are more slender and have a more rounded head.
Another way to tell the difference between males and females is by looking at their vent area. In males, the vent area will be more curved, while in females, it will be more straight. Additionally, males tend to be larger than females, with a more robust body structure.
Another thing to note is that females usually have bigger bellies when they are carrying eggs. However, because breeding in captivity is still in its infancy, it can be challenging to observe this in captive fish.
Moreover, proper observation and identification of the fish’s gender can help understand their behavior and potentially lead to successful breeding in the future.
Behavior
The redtail catfish is a solitary species that is typically found alone in the wild. Because they are nocturnal fish, they are more active at night and are generally more passive during the day. In a tank with artificial lighting, they can adjust to it and start being active during the day.
If they feel threatened or don’t have enough room, they can turn hostile, despite being considered a peaceful species. As they grow, they may become more territorial and dominate other tankmates.
Renowned for their inquisitiveness, the redtail catfish frequently investigates their surroundings and other fish in the aquarium. A large swimming area and multiple hiding spots are required to accommodate their needs. They are also known to be quite intelligent, and they can develop the ability to recognize and respond to their caregivers.
Redtail catfish are large, active fish that need a big tank, so keep that in mind when choosing a home for them.
Tankmates
When selecting tankmates for redtail catfish, it’s essential to keep in mind their size, behavior, and potential aggression. Due to their size and activity, these fish can become territorial and need a lot of swimming space.
Here are some excellent tankmate options for redtail catfish:
- Other large and peaceful fish such as Arowanas, Plecostomus, and Bichirs
- Schools of large and delicate fish such as Silver dollars, Tinfoil Barbs, and Giant Danios
- Other bottom dwellers, such as Loaches and Pangasius
- Large and peaceful Cichlids such as Oscars and Green Terrors
Remember that you should introduce tankmates to the tank before introducing the redtail catfish, not the other way around. This is because the redtail catfish might grow territorial and try to dominate them. It’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of aggression between the redtail catfish and the other fish in the tank and separate them if necessary.
Tank conditions
As previously mentioned, redtail catfish require a large tank, a minimum of 1500 gallons, due to their size and active nature. They are also sensitive to water quality and require a stable pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. They also prefer water between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.
Redtail catfish produce a lot of waste, so ensuring the tank has a powerful and effective filtration system is crucial. The tank must also have good water flow to replicate the fish’s natural environment.
In terms of decor, the tank should have plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, and wood, to give the fish a sense of security. Because redtail catfish prefer a soft substrate and are bottom dwellers, the tank should also have a sandy or fine gravel substrate.
Diet
Regarding the diet of redtail catfish, it is vital to provide a varied diet that includes both protein and vegetable matter.
Fish, crustaceans, and mollusks are just a few foods redtail catfish eat in the wild because they are opportunistic feeders. It is best to offer a diet that contains a variety of protein sources to animals kept in captivity, such as:
- Frozen or live fish
- Shrimp
- Earthworms
- Crickets
- Mealworms
It’s also essential to provide a variety of vegetable matter, such as:
- Spinach
- Peas
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
It’s important to note that redtail catfish have a large appetite and will eat frequently. Instead of one large feeding, they should receive smaller amounts several times throughout the day.
Breeding
Redtail catfish mature sexually in the wild between three and four years. They may take longer to develop if kept in captivity. The male redtail catfish will have a thicker dorsal fin base, while the female will have a rounder belly.
A large tank or pond is required, as they will need much space to spawn to breed redtail catfish. Additionally, the water should be maintained steadily and as closely as possible to the fish’s natural habitat.
In most cases, the female will lay her eggs on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them. Within a week, the eggs will hatch into fry. Small, live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia should be fed to the fry as part of their diet.
It’s important to remember that breeding redtail catfish is challenging and has a low success rate. The tank and water conditions should be optimal, and the fish should be healthy and well-fed.
Diseases
Like any fish, the redtail catfish can be susceptible to various diseases if proper care and maintenance of their tank and water conditions are not followed. Ich, also referred to as “white spot disease,” is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting Redtail Catfish. It is a parasitic infection that causes small white spots to appear on the fish’s body. A commercially available Ich medication can be used to treat it, but it’s also critical to address the stress or poor water quality that caused the fish to become ill in the first place.
Another common disease that can affect redtail catfish is bacterial infection. It may show up as swelling, redness, or open wounds on the fish’s body. Commercially available antibiotic medications can treat bacterial infections.
It is also crucial to remember that redtail catfish are sensitive to changes in the chemistry of the water. It means that keeping the water in good shape and regularly testing it can help prevent diseases from developing.
