Redtail Catfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceHuge tank or pond

  Outgrows almost everything — only very large tanks or ponds will do.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment15–25 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) comes from the Amazon and Orinoco and is one of the largest catfish in the world, able to exceed 100 cm and 40 kg in captivity and growing considerably larger in the wild. It is sold routinely at 8 to 10 cm as an attractive oddball, and it grows extremely fast, adding tens of centimetres in the first years. This entry exists mainly to be honest about scale. A single adult needs a custom tank or indoor pond measured in thousands of litres, at 22-28C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, with industrial-grade filtration. It eats whole fish, prawns and large sinking pellets, and it will swallow tankmates far larger than seems possible, including other big catfish. Public aquariums and rescue centres receive these fish constantly from owners who could not keep up, and rehoming an adult is very difficult. Unless you already have the volume, the filtration and a twenty-year plan, admire this one in a public aquarium and choose a Synodontis or a Raphael instead.

• How active is a Redtail Catfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Redtail Catfish need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Redtail Catfish need?

  Huge tank or pond. Outgrows almost everything — only very large tanks or ponds will do.

• Is a Redtail Catfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Redtail Catfish live?

  15–25 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Redtail Catfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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